Bonfires 
The Pollution team investigate enquiries about nuisance
from domestic and commercial bonfires in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Bonfire facts
- It is a common misconception that there are specific
byelaws that prohibit garden bonfires or specify times they can be
lit – there are no permitted lighting up times for bonfires within
the Vale.
- Bonfires are not a safe way to dispose of rubbish, see our
recycling
and waste web pages for details of refuse and garden waste
collections
- Emissions from bonfires can have damaging health effects.
Serious harm is unlikely if exposure to bonfire smoke is brief.
However problems may be caused for asthmatics, bronchitis
sufferers, people with heart conditions and children
- The smoke, smuts, and smell from bonfires are the subject of
many complaints to local authorities. Smoke prevents your
neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging
washing out, and reduces visibility in the neighbourhood and on
roads. Allotments near homes can cause particular problems if plot
holders persistently burn waste.
Further
advice on Garden Bonfire and smoke
Legislation
- Bonfires are not specifically prohibited by the Environmental
Protection Act 1990 even in Smoke Control areas, but Section 79 of
the Act provides that "such smoke shall, if it is prejudicial to
health or a nuisance to inhabitants of the neighbourhood, be deemed
to be a statutory nuisance for the purposes of the Act". Offenders
may be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £5,000
(£20,000 for industrial, trade or business premises).
- Generally speaking, bonfires which smoulder away and smoke for
long periods, especially when wind and weather conditions are
unfavourable, are those most likely to give rise to complaint, and
are those which might be dealt with as nuisances in accordance with
Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
- Dark smoke (as defined by
law) emitted from bonfires on commercial premises (including
construction and demolition sites) is prohibited, with a penalty of
up to £20,000.
Contact
If you are affected by smoke or odour please contact the
Pollution Control team.
Telephone: 01446 709105 or email: regserv@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk