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Artificial light statutory nuisance – continued utility of the current exemptions for certain premises

This paper invited views from relevant stakeholders regarding the continued utility of exempting certain premises from the artificial light statutory nuisance provisions under Part III, Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA) in England.

Last fetched 03 May 2026 · gov.uk
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Summary

This paper invited views from relevant stakeholders regarding the continued utility of exempting certain premises from the artificial light statutory nuisance provisions under Part III, Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA) in England. The exemptions are for artificial light emanating from:

  • an airport;
  • harbour premises;
  • railways premises;
  • tramway premises;
  • a bus station and any associated facilities;
  • a public service vehicle operating centre;
  • a goods vehicle operating centre;
  • a lighthouse;
  • a prison.

This means that artificial light emanating from these premises cannot at present be found to be a statutory nuisance and, although a complaint regarding the light could be investigated, it is not possible to issue an abatement notice.

This paper was seeking views on whether all these exemptions are still justified. It is of particular interest to local authority environmental health departments, those associated with the relevant exempt premises and other special interest groups.

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