A light nuisance may be constant or intermittent but to be a statutory nuisance it must be unreasonable, frequent and have a substantial interference with the use or enjoyment of your home, for example, if it keeps you awake at night because it lights up your bedroom with your curtains closed. Personal sensitivities and just being able to see the light would not make it a statutory nuisance.

We cannot investigate light nuisance from:

  • railway and tramway premises
  • bus stations and public transport operating centres
  • street lights or vehicles on the highway. 

Experience shows, that if neighbours are approached sensitively, directly approaching your neighbour can often lead to a better and more permanent solution.

If your informal conversation with your neighbour has not solved the problem and you want us to investigate, please contact us via the My Sandwell Portal or Sandwell App.   

Points to consider when fitting security lighting

Artificial light is useful for security and preventing road accidents. But poorly designed and badly directed lighting can cause accidents and reduce security.

To avoid causing light problems:

  • do not use excessively bright lights - use the least powerful light needed for the purpose.  NB LED lights may be brighter than expected;
  • ensure to buy and fit directional lights to ensure they can be pointed down;
  • do not leave lights on when they are not needed, consider controlling lights with passive infra-red detectors or timers;
  • when aiming floodlights, make sure you only light up the area that needs lighting and ensure it doesn’t light up outside your property;
  • be careful not to put light onto other people's properties or into windows, as this can be a statutory nuisance.

If you are thinking about fitting external lighting or you have received a complaint about your lighting the following may be useful guidance for the reduction of obtrusive lighting .