Introduction
Any person affected by nuisance has the right to complain directly to the Magistrates’ Court.
Law that gives you this right
Sometimes, even though we (the Council) have made several visits, our officers may not have been able to witness the nuisance that is being reported. This means that we cannot take action on your behalf.
If this is case, the law allows you to make a complaint directly to the Magistrates Court. If the court decides that a nuisance exists, it will issue an order to stop the nuisance.
On this page you can find out more about:
- What is a 'statutory nuisance'?
- The procedure
- Preparation for the hearing
- The Court hearing
- Costs of taking the case
- Contact details
Please note that this guidance is for general information only for taking your own action under Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. There is no guarantee of successful Court action, and we cannot accept any responsibility for events rising from the advice given on these pages.
If you are in any doubt about making a formal complaint to the Magistrates' Court, please seek professional legal advice.
You can get help at the:
- Citizens Advice Bureau or,
- from your own solicitor