Introduction
Odour problems come in many forms, these could be day to day smells such as:
- farmland spreading, including sewage sludge, cesspool waste and poultry unit waste
- cooking at commercial premises, hot food takeaways, restaurants or public houses
- food manufactures
- one off instances of petrol odours, gas, solvents (which may require immediate attention)
- a build-up of dog mess at a property
- a build-up of rubbish (rotting food items)
- properties that are filthy or infested with vermin
- sewage works.
We are unable to help you with odours coming from:
- domestic properties
- recreational drugs and illegal substances (for example cannabis or marijuana)
We can enforce nuisance legislation if the odour is intrusive or excessive. However, we have to bear in mind the defence of Best Practicable Means. This means if it can be shown that the odour is normal for the process and all reasonable steps are being taken to control odour, then action is unlikely to succeed.
If you are disturbed by smell and odours
Try and talk to the person responsible. They may not realise they’re causing a problem. Be calm and polite and listen to their point of view. Try to come up with an answer that makes both of you happy.
If you would prefer to send them a letter, you can use one of these templates.
Report an odour or smell nuisance issue
If talking to the person responsible does not work, we can investigate your complaint. We will then contact the person or company causing the problem.
To make a complaint we will need:
- your contact details
- details of the source of the problem
- any other relevant information you may have
We will ask you to keep a diary record of the problems over three weeks. This should include:
- a description of the odour nuisance and how it affects you in your home
- the dates the odour disturbs you
- the times the odour starts and stops
Advice for Farmers and businesses on reducing odour nuisance
Tips to help reduce the likelihood of causing a nuisance.
Farmland spreading
- check the weather forecast prior to spreading
- check the wind direction and try to spread only when the wind is blowing away from neighbouring properties
- avoid spreading at weekends, bank holidays or evenings
- do not spread close to houses
- avoid frequent spreading in the same location
- avoid very heavy applications
- plough in immediately after or use injection to minimise odour
Farms or livestock units
- avoid odorous feeds
- frequently remove waste, considering the time of day and wind direction
- keep odorous areas dry and well ventilated
- avoid the storage of animal waste near domestic premises
- avoid burning horse manure, use an alternative means of disposal
Poultry units
- remove waste frequently
- clean out storage sheds frequently bearing in mind the weather conditions
Cesspits and septic tanks
- empty frequently
- remedy defects as soon as possible, for example – blocked soakaways or overflows
- ensure vents are appropriately located and of sufficient height
Industrial premises
- where necessary increase the discharge height of any chimneys, but ensure this has no planning implications before doing so
- remove any terminal endings that slow the airflow, for example – caps and cowls
- substitute odorous products
- use activated charcoal filters to adsorb organic odours
- use water-based paints with a low organic solvent content
- maintain extract equipment for example spray booths or fans
- relocate odorous processes away from nearby domestic premises
Hot food premises and food manufacturing
- increase the height and re-orientate the flue
- service, clean and maintain ventilation equipment
- use odour control technology, for example – activated charcoal filters