Noise,
Dogs and
Pollution
Q: Who can I report noisy neighbours/barking dogs
to?
A: Under the Environmental Protection Act excessive noise,
such as amplified music or barking dogs, can be classified as a
nuisance. To be considered a nuisance the noise has to be a
persistent problem, interfering substantially with your well being,
comfort or enjoyment of your property. In the first instance
talk to your neighbour to try to resolve the situation
amicably.
DOGS
Q: What is the law regarding dog fouling in public
places?
A: South Lakeland District Council have adopted and enforce
the Dogs (Fouling On Land) Act 1996. The following is land
designated by South Lakeland District Council under this
legislation:
All land within/on the District Councils boundary which is in
the open air to which the public are entitled or permitted to have
access with or without payment (subject to the exemptions contained
in Section 1 of the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996) is hereby
designated for the purpose of that act.
This designation includes all carriageways with a speed limit
of 40 mph. or less and adjoining footways, footpaths and verges and
any covered land which is open to the air on at least one
side.
Exemptions from the Act include;
- Carriageways with a speed limit of more than 40 mph and land
running alongside them.
- Land used for agriculture or woodlands.
- Land which is predominantly marshland, moor or heath.
- Rural common land.
Q: Does my dog need identification?
A: Yes. Your dog must wear a collar with a tag (showing the
owners' address and telephone number) in a public place.
Q: I've lost my dog. Who do I call?
A: Report it to South Lakeland Direct on 0845 050 4434 as soon
as possible; we keep a register of all lost and found dogs within
the South Lakeland area. It is also worth informing your local
Police and vets. Those that live close to the border of the
district should also call
neighbouring District/Borough Councils.
Q: I have found a stray dog. What do I
do?
A: Report it to South Lakeland Direct on 0845 050 4434. The
Dog Wardens will arrange to collect the dog from you between 9am
and 5pm Monday to Friday. You can keep the dog at home if you wish
but you must report it as soon as possible.
Q: I would like to give an unwanted dog a home. Where
do I go?
A: Call South Lakeland Direct on 0845 050 4434. We
occasionally have dogs to rehome and can also give you the numbers
for Dog Rescue Centres.
POLLUTION
Q: How can I carry out a Radon test on my
property?
A: Tests can be ordered through the
Health Protection
Agency, telephone 0800 614529. They can also provide
further information on radon.
Q: Are farmers really allowed to spread what they like
on their fields?
A: Yes, however they have to comply with legislation that is
enforced by the
Environment Agency
(EA). We investigate these problems, and liase with the EA and the
farmer to ensure as little disturbance is caused as possible. They
should also NOT cause a statutory nuisance.
Q: What does the law say about garden
bonfires?
A: If used in the correct manner, the occasional bonfire
should not cause a major problem. However, under the provisions of
the Environmental Protection Act 1990, smoke from bonfires can be
classified as a nuisance. To be considered a nuisance the bonfires
have to be a persistent problem, interfering substantially with
your well being, comfort or enjoyment of your property.
Q: Do you have any information on the local Air
Quality?
A: Yes we carry out monthly monitoring of Nitrogen Dioxide and
have historical data for this, Benzene and Ozone levels
around the District. Continuous monitoring of oxides of
Nitrogen also takes place along Lowther Street in
Kendal. We have access to limited air quality
information from some of the more polluting industries in the
District. See the
Useful Links page for websites showing
national pollutant levels and the
Air Quality pages
for local data.
Q: My neighbour has a garden spotlight shining into my
bedroom, what can be done?
A: Lighting can now be a statutory nuisance under the
Environmental Protection Act 1990, following it's introduction
under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act
2005. However, you should approach your neighbour in the
first instance and ask them to re-locate or re-angle the light to
avoid this situation and resolve it amicably. Should this not
resolve the matter, please contact the
Environmental Protection Group for further
help.
Q: My neighbours septic tank/cess pit is leaking onto
my land, what can be done?
A: Try speaking to your neighbour, as they may not realise
that this is happening. However, we have the power to ensure that a
property has adequate means for the disposal of wastewater. If
there is wastewater running across your land, this is not
considered adequate disposal, and we can take the necessary steps
to resolve this problem. Please contact the
Environmental Protection Group for further
help.
Q: There is a heap of rubbish in my neighbours garden,
what can I do?
A: If the rubbish is putrescible and likely to present an
odour problem or attract vermin we can contact the person
responsible and get the rubbish removed.
Q: The manhole in my garden is overflowing, what can I
do?
A: If the manhole is on a length of drain which serves only
your property then you must arrange the unblocking of the pipe
yourself. If the pipe serves (or you suspect it serves) more than
one property you should contact the
Environmental Protection Group for further
advice.