FOI release

Number of smoke nuisance complaints received in the last 10 years (2015 to 2025)

This request was refused in part, so we didn't provide some of the information the requester asked for. This may include information where we can neither confirm nor deny that we hold it.

Case reference FOI2025/00799

Received 24 April 2025

Published 25 April 2025

Request

RE: Follow-up to FOI2025/00637

I request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding complaints about smoke nuisance within your local authority. Please could you provide the following data:

1) The number of complaints received about smoke nuisance in the last 10 years (please provide a year-by-year breakdown from 2015 to 2025.)

2) If recorded, the identified source of the smoke nuisance complaints (e.g., wood burners, bonfires, barbecues, grills, industrial sources, agricultural activities, or other specified sources).

3) Whether your local authority has issued any public guidance, restrictions, or policy changes related to smoke nuisances in recent years.

4) Has the local authority received any complaints specifically citing health concerns (e.g., respiratory issues, aggravation of asthma, or other medical conditions) due to smoke nuisance?

Response

RE: Follow-up to FOI2025/00637

I request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding complaints about smoke nuisance within your local authority. Please could you provide the following data:

1) The number of complaints received about smoke nuisance in the last 10 years (please provide a year-by-year breakdown from 2015 to 2025.)

2) If recorded, the identified source of the smoke nuisance complaints (e.g., wood burners, bonfires, barbecues, grills, industrial sources, agricultural activities, or other specified sources).

3) Whether your local authority has issued any public guidance, restrictions, or policy changes related to smoke nuisances in recent years.

4) Has the local authority received any complaints specifically citing health concerns (e.g., respiratory issues, aggravation of asthma, or other medical conditions) due to smoke nuisance?

Answer: Please see the attached FOI2025 00799 Response Spreadsheet.

Please note, the information for question 3 is publically available on our Council website and can be viewed via the following link:

https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/environmental-health/problem-neighbours

As such we consider this information to be exempt under Section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 because it is reasonably accessible to you via other means. Please take this letter as a refusal notice under S17 of the Act.

Documents

• FOI2025 00799 Response Spreadsheet .csv (4.1 KB)
• Statutory nuisance leaflet.pdf (115.8 KB)

This is Herefordshire Council's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.

You can browse our other responses or make a new FOI request.