My neighbour’s obnoxious Christmas lights are keeping me awake—The Sunday Times
Partner Ed Cracknell responds to a reader in The Sunday Times ‘Home Help’ feature, addressing their query about what legal actions can be taken if their neighbour’s Christmas lights are glaring into their bedroom and keeping them awake.
Ed suggests that the reader take practical steps within their control, such as investing in blackout blinds or an eye mask, or politely discussing the issue with their neighbour and suggesting they use a timer for the lights. If the neighbour refuses, he recommends keeping a log of the disturbance and contacting the local council’s environmental health team. Whilst excessive outdoor lighting can fall under nuisance laws in England and Wales, Ed emphasises that legal action should be a last resort, as it can be time-consuming and Christmas lights are temporary.
If your neighbour refuses to adjust the lights, you could contact your local council’s environmental health (elf?) team. They can investigate whether the lights breach statutory nuisance rules, which consider factors like brightness, timing and how often they’re on. Keep a diary of the issue, recording dates, times and the impact on your sleep. This evidence may help your case.”
The full article is available to read online on The Sunday Times here.
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