Latest news with #EnvironmentalProtectionActof1990
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
When can I legally cut my grass in the UK - what you need to know
The gardening experts have had their say - and you may want to stick to these times No matter where you live, you are bound to encounter issues at some point with your neighbours - whether it is disputes over loud music, barking dogs, or neighbors doing work on their property. But what about mowing the lawn - when can you do that, and when should you avoid garden jobs? With the scorching weather hitting the UK this week, many Brits are heading outdoors, tackling DIY projects and mowing their lawns. But if you've ever been abruptly woken up by the sound of a lawn mower, there might be something you can do about it. According to experts at PI Gardening, they discuss the law surrounding this very issue, writing: "In the UK, there are specific times when you can legally mow your lawn, and it's not just about avoiding irate neighbours." When it comes to the legal side of things, rather than just etiquette, they explain: "In the UK, there isn't a specific law regarding the optimal time to mow your lawn. The Environmental Protection Act of 1990 does shed light on noise pollution in the UK. "Councils have the authority to investigate and issue warning notices about noises that exceed permitted levels between 11pm and 7am. So if you want to trim your grass during this time, you might want to think twice." The maximum permitted noise level is 34 dB, as long as background noise stays below 24 dB. If the surrounding noise exceeds that, the limit rises to 10 dB above the ambient level. For context, an average electric lawnmower produces around 70 decibels. So whilst mowing the lawn at night isn't illegal, if your noise exceeds the permitted levels, you could be seen as disruptive and this could get you into trouble. Whilst you should be wary of how much noise you make from 11pm to 7am, when it comes to cutting your grass of a weekday, the general rule of thumb is that you can do so from 8 in the morning until 8 at night. "This time frame is consistent with typical working hours and ensures minimal disturbance to neighbours"< they explain. If you are looking for a more specific window, Pi Gardening recommend moving your lawn after 9am and finishing by 6pm. The explain the reason for this, writing: "This approach not only adheres to the guidelines but also ensures that you won't cause noise disturbances during the anti-social hours." When it comes to weekends - particularly Sundays when many people prefer to unwind and enjoy some quiet time - it's advised to begin after 10am and wrap up by 6pm. As they explain, "this consideration ensures that nearby residents can enjoy a peaceful morning without the hum of gardening equipment." They conclude: "If you're an early riser, you can technically trim your grass anytime after 7am and before 11pm. And for those wondering about Sundays, no, it isn't against the law to cut your lawn on this day in the UK. But again, it pays to be thoughtful and avoid mowing before 10am." If you're wondering when the best time to mow your lawn is, experts recommend doing it in the early morning or late afternoon. This timing is gentler on the grass, helping maintain its health and reducing stress on the blades. Naturally, as autumn and winter approach, the need for lawn mowing gradually decreases. In fact, grass enters a "dormant state during winter" meaning it typically doesn't require any cutting. It's best to avoid mowing altogether during this period, as doing so when the grass is wet or frosty can damage the turf. With these mowing times and tips in mind, experts emphasise that communication is crucial. If a neighbour raises a concern, try to see things from their perspective. If they feel you're mowing too early or too late, have a friendly conversation and try to agree on a time that works for both of you. Perhaps when they're out at work or the gym and you're home. They stress that a clear and open point of communication can "prevent misunderstandings and maintain good neighbourly relations." In their conclusion, they add: "Navigating the maze of UK lawn mowing regulations might seem daunting at first. "It's all about not disturbing the peace, avoiding potential fines or conflicts with neighbours, and clipping at considerate hours while being mindful of noise levels. So, the next time you're eager to give your lawn a trim, think about the best times that work for both you and your community."
Glasgow Times
12-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow council 'fails to enforce law' on dump site years on
The railway cutting in North Glasgow, behind Claddens Street, has been a fly-tipping site for more than two decades, causing a headache for locals. Emails obtained exclusively through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that the council has been in communication with Reigart Contracts Ltd - the owner of the site - since September 2017. Kenny Nisbet and Dorothy McFarland (Image: Colin Mearns) Glasgow council fails to enforce law on dump site years on (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Colin Mearns) The local authority first threatened to enforce Section 59 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1990 on February 8, 2018, saying it would make the move the next week. According to this law, the council can serve a notice to the occupier of the land to clean up the waste. Four days later, a Reigart representative called this action "unnecessary" and asked for a phone call. After this, there was a discussion between the parties about a cleanup. However, those who live in the area claim this never happened. The emails also revealed that council employees repeatedly admitted the dumping had "become an issue" and locals were pushing for action. Throughout this exchange, officials also stated they are keen to "maintain positive dialogue" with the firm. Since then, the local authority has also attempted to get in touch with the company multiple times without success. Residents are outraged at the lack of follow-through and say the emails are an "absolute waste of time and money" without any results. Parkhouse Community Council member Kenny Nisbet said: "It's just ridiculous. For 20 years, we have been going on about this. "We have been trying for a long time but they kept refusing to do it. "The maddening thing is, the company is not even based in Glasgow, they are from Coatbridge." In 2024, in an email to Mr Nisbet, an environmental health officer said the team has "taken the decision to also look at alternative solutions to enforcement for the disused railway". READ NEXT: We visited a notorious fly-tipping site - it's shocking what we found there 'It's appalling': Residents fume at lack of action on historic fly-tipping site (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) The community council has been asking for a proper cleanup for decades and said they feel like "hitting their heads off a brick wall" trying to force the council to serve the notice, which they are legally entitled to do. Mr Nisbet, a resident of more than 50 years, confirmed he has submitted several complaints to the council about the handling of the case and has contacted six local politicians and several public health groups and organisations. A major worry of the group is that, along with household items such as wardrobes, garbage and pieces of furniture, unknown and potentially dangerous substances are also being left at the site. When the Glasgow Times visited the area, which is a former railway cutting, it was littered with dumped objects, including an ironing board, a scooter, Christmas trees and more. (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) A council spokesperson said: 'Fly-tipping has unfortunately been a long-standing issue at this disused railway line in the Parkhouse area. 'It appears that a number of residents in adjoining properties dump waste from their gardens into the former railway cutting and waste is also fly-tipped at other points along this space. 'Due to the steep embankment and the thick overgrowth, removing fly-tipped waste from this site raises highly challenging health and safety risks for staff. 'However, we have previously worked with the major owner of the site to remove waste from the railway line and would do so again in future. 'We understand the ambition of the major owner is to develop the site for housing but we are unaware of any proposals at this stage. 'We will continue to engage with residents to ensure their waste is disposed of properly. 'Where evidence is secured that identifies those responsible for any fly-tipping incident, including eye witness accounts, we will take enforcement action.'
