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Light nuisance
Find out what type of light is considered a nuisance, what types of lights are exempt and how to report issues that are affecting you.
What is a light nuisance?
A light nuisance is when artificial light seriously affects someone’s use of their home or harms their health. It must be unreasonable, substantial and ongoing.
What types of light are usually NOT considered a nuisance?
Some places are exempt from these rules because they need strong lighting for safety or security. These include:
- airports
- harbours
- railways and tramways
- bus and goods vehicle stations
- lighthouses
- prisons
- defence or military sites
- public transport centres
- outdoor sports facilities (if they use the best practical methods to reduce light)
What about streetlights?
Streetlights are not automatically exempt, but they’re rarely considered a nuisance because they’re not on private premises. However, do tell us if they're faulty.
What counts as a nuisance?
There are no fixed brightness levels that make light a nuisance. Instead, councils look at:
- how long the light lasts
- how often it happens
- how it affects your comfort or use of your home
- whether it’s reasonable for the area (e.g. city vs countryside)
- whether the person responsible is acting unreasonably
- whether the average person would be affected (not just someone very sensitive)
What should you do if you're affected?
- talk to your neighbour first. They might not know their light is a problem
- suggest re-aiming the light, using a dimmer bulb, or adding a sensor.
- If that doesn’t work, tell us about it so we can investigate and, if needed take enforcement action.
Tips for installing outdoor lights
- ask yourself: do I really need this light?
- aim lights downwards and away from neighbours
- use timers or motion sensors to avoid lights staying on too long
- choose lower-power bulbs to save energy and reduce glare
