Light nuisance

Find out what to do if artificial light is affecting your home.

Artificial light from street lamps, security lights or floodlights can be a nuisance if it shines into your home and affects your sleep.

Some premises may use high-intensity lighting for safety or security reasons. However, lighting that interferes with daily activities may be considered a statutory nuisance.

We assess lighting complaints based on:

  • the activity being disrupted
  • how long the issue lasts
  • the time of day it occurs
  • the character of the area

Find out about artificial light nuisance on GOV.UK

Street lighting

If street lighting is causing you a problem contact Cumberland Council as the highways authority.

Security or flood lighting

If a nearby house is causing the problem ask your neighbour to adjust the angle of the light.

Download our Noise or other nuisances booklet for guidance on resolving problems before reporting.

Reporting a light nuisance

If the light issue has not improved after you've tried to resolve the problem, you can report it to us.

Report artificial light nuisance

You must complete the witness record sheet showing dates, times and type of disturbance.