Smells and odours

Smells from odours can affect a large number of people and they be carried in the air over long distances. The degree to which people are affected will depend on individual sense of smell and tolerance.

We can help with odours from:

  • fumes emitted by boilers
  • smoke from bonfires or chimneys
  • accumulations of waste such as dog faeces or food items
  • animals
  • filthy premises 
  • industrial, trade or business premises.

We have no powers to deal with cooking odours from domestic sources.

Sometimes there is nothing that can be done. If you live close to sewage works, farmland on which slurry is spread, a refuse tip or certain other smelly activities, you may be able to smell those activities from time to time. All we can do is ask the operator to do what they can to minimise those smells.

Taking your own action

You can take your own action under section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. 

Get more information on statutory nuisance complaints