We are urging people not to light bonfires at this time to protect the respiratory health of the vulnerable and to avoid unnecessary burden on the NHS. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and smoke inhalation can impair people’s breathing. In addition to this, with larger numbers of people now working from home and also looking after children, the smoke from such bonfires can cause unnecessary nuisance to your neighbours.
We appreciate the inconvenience for residents due to the Household Waste Recycling Centres being closed for the time being, but we are asking you to stack or bag up rubbish for disposal at these centres when the current emergency is over. Please continue to dispose of your household and recyclable waste in the usual way.
How can I complain about a bonfire nuisance?
There are no bylaws about garden bonfires, so anyone can light one at any time and as often as they like.
However, if it causes a statutory nuisance, the council can do something about it and so can you. For a bonfire to be classed as such a nuisance, the smoke will have to be affecting you in your home and/or garden. It will also need to be happening on a regular basis (two or three times a week).
There are laws relating to burning trade waste on industrial or commercial premises (including building sites). If these bonfires emit dark smoke, then an immediate offence is committed and the council or Environment Agency can take action which could include prosecuting the offender.
The full text is at http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/environment-and-neighbourhood-issues/report-problem-noise-and-nuisance/bonfires-
