Nuisances
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 gives Local Authorities the powers to take action where a Statutory Nuisance is witnessed. Such a nuisance will include problems from either noise, odour or dust that are affecting you in your property.
Examples of complaints that are frequently investigated by the Council include noisy neighbours/businesses, barking dogs, vehicle and property alarms, bonfires, and accumulations of rubbish on neighbouring land.
A statutory nuisance is described as something of sufficient nature, extent and degree so as to materially interfere with someone's reasonable enjoyment of their property.
To determine whether a statutory nuisance exists then it may be necessary for an Officer to visit you at your property during normal office hours or as part of the Councils "out of hours" service. Examples of nuisances that may be a problem to you are : -
Premises that are prejudicial to health; smoke, such as bonfires; fumes or gases; dust, steam, smell or effluvia from industry; accumulations or deposits; nuisance from animals; noise.
Any other matter declared (by legislation) to be a statutory nuisance.
To raise a complaint or for informal advice contact this Section (telephone 01322 343374 or email customer.services@dartford.gov.uk ) and the area Environmental Health Officer will discuss the matter and assist where appropriate. It is also possible to take your action under the same Legislation and this process will be explained to you at the time of your call.
Outside Normal Office Hours
Unfortunately this service is currently undergoing operational issues and whilst it is being reviewed, has been temporarily suspended. Any calls reported to the out of hours answering service will be passed to an officer on the next working day.
- The Council normally operates a restricted Out of Hours service (telephone 0845 6341212), however this is limited to the following:
- Complaints currently being investigated by Environmental Health Services where the person affected has been placed on the call out register.
- Complaints of audible intruder alarms where details of the address of the property are available and the sounding alarm is ongoing.
- Noise or pollution incidents affecting a number of residents which results in several complainants contacting the out of hours service.
- Emergencies – major incidents.
Other noise/pollution complaints such as barking dogs and problems caused by bonfires will generally only be dealt with on the next working day.
With the exception of major incidents the out of hours service is only available between 20:00 and 02:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
