1. Investigating odour complaints
We will investigate complaints of odour from industrial, trade and business premises to determine whether they amount to a statutory nuisance. Statutory nuisance laws don’t apply to odours from residential properties.
If we have evidence that the odour unreasonably and substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises, or is injurious to health, an abatement notice may be served on the person responsible under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Failure to abate an odour nuisance after a notice has been served can result in a court fine.
Case law requires us to investigate complaints about odour as it would affect an average person - we cannot take into account complainants who are particularly sensitive to certain smells.
Before you make an odour complaint
We encourage you to speak to the person responsible for the odour before contacting us – often they are unaware that they are creating a problem for others. If this isn’t possible, or you have tried but the problem has continued, you can make an odour complaint to us.