Smells and fumes

The most common complaints about smells are usually associated with commercial food handling - cooking and refuse. In extreme cases smells might be classed a "Statutory Nuisance" and can be dealt with in a similar manner to noise nuisances.

Occasionally complaints are made about domestic premises. However, the definition of statutory nuisance does not include smells from residential premises.

Smells which arise from commercial food premises usually do so because of poor design or maintenance of the filters in the kitchen extract system. The problem is normally resolved but regular cleaning of the filters or using a different type.

Where refuse is the cause of the complaint, the answer normally lies in regular waste collection, good fitting bin lids and regular washing down of the refuse storage area. Smell complaints normally peak in the summer time in which heat generates the dual components of strong smells and open windows.