Bonfire Advice Note
Since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic the Public Protection Partnership has seen a 622% increase in bonfire complaints over the same period last year (from 32 complaints to 231).
We have produced this short guidance on Bonfire Advice.
The same information is being given to residents who contact us directly and we have put out a number of communications about bonfires through social media.
Right now, we are asking residents across the districts/boroughs to think of others and not light bonfires during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic lockdown because many people at home are vulnerable and may have respiratory issues, or even be fighting the Coronavirus itself. During this difficult time we are asking that their needs are put first.
We are also urging people to consider alternative means of disposal of waste as burning in close proximity to other properties is always a potential source of nuisance. For instance, if the job can’t wait until the civic amenity sites re-open, green waste can be composted or stockpiled at home.
Bonfires can also get out of control or cause accidents, creating extra pressure on the already busy emergency services.
While there are no laws against having a domestic bonfire there are laws about causing a nuisance. The smoke or the smell of smoke from bonfires can cause a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
We would consider taking formal action under the above legislation if a number of justified complaints were received about the burning. If sufficient evidence is gathered and the Council is satisfied that a Statutory Nuisance exists then an enforcement notice may be served to prohibit the recurrence of the nuisance. A breach of this notice may result in a fine.
To report an incident of a bonfire please use our online reporting form here.
Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of any waste or rubbish on public land or sites which are unauthorised to accept waste. If the rubbish is dumped on private land, the landowner is responsible for removing it. If you find or receive notification of fly tipped material on private land you will need to inform the landowner. Landowners unfortunately will have to pay for the cost of disposal of fly-tipped materials.
To report an incident of fly tipping please see information here.
