Public Nuisance
One of the licensing objectives under the Licensing Act 2003 is the prevention of 'public nuisance'. The term is often used, but sometimes the full legal definition is not appreciated.
The law relating to public nuisance stretches back to at least 1610 and has been developed by the courts ever since. In very basic terms, a public nuisance is something that causes a group of people in a locality to suffer some significant effect on the use of their property or their health. Various factors have to be considered, such as the locality of the area, the frequency and intensity of the problem and the intention of the person who caused it.
Some public nuisances have been defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as matters where the local Council can take enforcement action. Others still rely on individuals or groups taking a private case.
Nuisances can include such things as ;
Noise
Light
Animals & insects
Odours
Smoke
Obstruction of traffic
We have significant experience of dealing with a wide variety of nuisances, both from enforcement and defence perspectives. If we can assist in any matter relating to public nuisance, please contact us.
