Private Sector Housing

Description

 

The investigation of complaints relating to waste materials or faecal deposits situated in gardens/yards and also to odours/fumes in privately owned properties.

 

Eligibility

 

This service is available to everyone.

 

Procedure

 

Upon receiving a complaint, the information is recorded on the computer system and allocated to the Environmental health Officer.
The investigating Officer will then contact the complainant and verify the details of the complaint and gather further relevant details.
On the basis of the information received and the gravity of the situation, the Officer will either decide to visit the property/site of the complaint or send a standard letter that outlines the alleged problem, and then follow-up if necessary.
If the accumulation(s) or odours are deemed to be prejudicial to health, appropriate statutory notices are served that request the owner/occupiers to remove waste materials/deposits or requires the offending party to abate any identified odour nuisance.
All enforcement action is undertaken in accordance with Cabinet's Office's Enforcement Concordant.

 

Helplines

Public Health Reception 01226 772540

Charges/Fees

Service provision free of charge. Offenders found guilty of an offence in the magistrate's court and relating to public health nuisances are fined according to the fees set out on a standard scale of charges. In relation to other offences the penalty shall be determined at the discretion of the magistrate.

Methods of Payment Available

 

Court fine payments are determined by the magistrates.

 

Opening Times/Locations

 

Monday - Thursday 8:45 to 17:00
Friday - 8:45 to 16:30

 

How The Customer Can Help

 

Customer can provide -
 Name
 Address
 Daytime contact number
 Specific details of problem
 Property ownership if known
 Any evidence/knowledge of person(s) causing nuisance(s)

 

Legislation

 

Prevention of damage by Pests Act 1949
Environmental Protection Act 1990 Part IV
Building Act 1984
Public Health Acts 1936 and 1961.

 

Response Times/Next steps

 

Fumes in domestic properties - 2 hours

 

Other fumes and accumulations - 3 days

 

Investigation of statutory nuisances - 5 days

 

Owner Officer Contact Details

 

Please contact Public Health reception on 01226 772540

 

You can also complete our online form to report a problem on:

 Filthy Premises - Private Property causing Public Health problems

Last modified on 16/9/2008