The best method in dealing with a neighbour causing a nuisance is to approach them with your issues and try and work together to resolve the problem. They may not be aware they are causing unreasonable noise or the smoke from their wood heater is causing a nuisance.
Noise Nuisance
The Environmental Protection Act 1970 makes it an offence to cause unreasonable noise from any residential premises. Residential noise may be unreasonable at any time of the day, depending on its volume, intensity, duration, time, place and other circumstances.
The EPA (Residential Noise) Regulations 1997 list specific types of equipment and times their use is prohibited. To download a copy click here.
Smoke Pollution
People often don’t realise that their wood fire can be a nuisance to their neighbours, reducing visibility and causing discomfort for people with respiratory problems.
A majority of the time the reason why smoke is causing a nuisance, is that the wrong type of wood is being used.
Things to remember if you have a wood fire;
- Always burn dry, well seasoned wood untreated wood. It burns more cleanly and more efficiently.
- Stack wood under cover in a dry; ventilated area;
- Use small logs
- Burn the fire brightly
Following these recommendations should unsure your wood heater doesn’t cause a nuisance to neighbours.
If talking to your neighbour does not resolve the nuisance, you can contact the Environmental Health Unit on 9742 0738 or the local police. Depending on the type of pollution, the unit may be able to assist directly or can refer the matter to the appropriate agency.
Alternatively, you can complete an online request form.