How to report a smoke, dust, odour, or artificial light problem

Air quality or pollution problems can be caused by:

• smoke and fumes
• grit and dust
• odours
• artificial light sources

If an air quality or pollution problem interferes with the use or enjoyment of your home, or affects your health, you can make a report to us. When our officers review a report depends on the type of air quality or pollution problem.

If you make a report, an officer from the council will investigate the issue.

There is a different way to make a report of unnecessary engine idling. To report an excessively smoky bus or lorry exhaust, you can make a report to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Before you make a report

To report an air quality or pollution problem, we will need to know:

• where you were or are when you experienced the problem
• where the problem is coming from
• what the problem looks or smells like

Our officers need to witness the problem to make an assessment. This could include a prearranged visit to your home. We may also need to ask you for more information.

You can request not to be contacted, but this will limit the action we can take to investigate and resolve your complaint.

Report an air quality or pollution problem

After you have made a report

If you choose to be contacted about your report, you will receive a reference number. You can use this reference number to follow up on the progress of your report.

If you choose not to be contacted, you will not receive a reference number or updates on your report.

When we will review your report

We usually review the following types of reports within one hour:

• smoke and fume problems
• grit and dust problems

These types of issues are investigated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is because these issues are most likely to affect lots of residents or cause significant disturbance.

We will usually review the following types of reports within four working days:

• odour problems
• artificial light problems

These issues are most likely to require a more complex investigation.