What we can and can not help with
We can investigate strong smells where they are causing a substantial interference in the use and enjoyment of your property, for example, it stops you using outside areas and causes you to keep windows closed for long periods of times.
We can investigate odours from industrial, trade or business premises in relation to statutory nuisance. In addition, under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 we regulate businesses that emit emissions into the air. These businesses are permitted and have set conditions that must be adhered to which include ways to prevent odour as far as reasonably possible. If a breach of these conditions occurs then enforcement action can be taken.
We can not take action about odour from a domestic property including cooking odours. However, we can investigate where an accumulation of waste is causing an odour and is a risk to health because it is likely to attract vermin.
Odours related to agricultural practices are part and parcel of living in rural areas and are unlikely to reach the threshold for a statutory nuisance unless codes of practices are not being followed. Unfortunately weather conditions and positions of fields and crops can dictate when farmers spread. This often coincides with residents spending time in their gardens or having windows and doors open during the summer months.