Environmental Protection FAQ

• Am I allowed to have a bonfire?
• Are there any smoke control areas in Chester?
• How do I get help in resolving a noise problem?
• How can I find out what this strange insect is?

Am I allowed to have a bonfire? 

Yes you are but do you really need to? By contacting the Services Team, you can arrange a special collection from your property. As long as the refuse, which can include garden waste, is properly bagged, the Council will take it away free of charge. 

If you feel you must have a bonfire, make sure you don't do it too frequently. Try and be a good neighbour so that the smoke does not cause annoyance to those who live near to you especially if someone has their washing hanging out to dry! 

You should be aware that prolonged or frequent bonfires can constitute a statutory nuisance.  

Are there any smoke control areas in Chester? 

No there are no smoke control areas in Chester. You are free to have a coal fire if you wish but make sure your chimney is swept regularly to avoid causing excessive smoke emissions which may cause a problem to your neighbours. Avoid burning anything that may give off harmful chemicals such as plastics and rubber. 

How do I get help in resolving a noise problem? 

First thing you must try and do is talk to the person causing the noise disturbance. A polite request may be sufficient to resolve a problem without taking the matter any further. Getting the local authority involved can make relations deteriorate irreparably and nobody likes to fall out with their neighbours. You should also be aware that if you are in the process of selling your house, any prospective purchaser must be made aware that you have made a complaint about your neighbour to the Council. 

If your informal approach has failed, contact the Environmental Protection Team for advice. We will generally visit the person concerned and make a polite request to refrain from causing excessive noise. In the meantime, you will be sent record sheets which are used to establish a pattern to the disturbances and show how the noise is interfering with the use and enjoyment of your property. 

Upon the return of the record sheets, the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) who covers your area will arrange a series of visits to try and substantiate your complaints. If the EHO believes a nuisance exists, a Noise Abatement Notice will be served requiring the nuisance to cease. It is an offence to break the terms of the Notice punishable by a fine of up to £20 000 per offence. 

If the EHO is unable to substantiate your claim of nuisance, you will be advised accordingly. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 does allow an individual to take their own action before a Magistrate's Court if you still believe a nuisance exists. We can advise you on this procedure if you require. 

How can I find out what this strange insect is? 

Simply send the insect into the Environmental Protection Team in a jar or other container clearly marked with your name, address and telephone number. Alternatively, you may be able to identify it from the information on our Pest Control page.