Bromley Council has produced a leaflet called Nuisance from Bonfires
You can click on the link to download it. The main points are shown below:-
What’s wrong with a good old fashioned bonfire?...
A garden bonfire may seem like a practical way of getting rid of garden waste and other rubbish; but they are not usually the most environmentally or neighbour friendly way and most of the waste could be put to better use.
Public Nuisance
Each year Bromley Council receives a considerable number of complaints from residents
affected by smoke and ash from their neighbours garden bonfire. Smoke and ash prevent your neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows and hanging out washing.
Air Pollution
Bonfires add to air pollution and can produce poisonous and irritating gases.
Dangerous
Fire can spread to fences and buildings and also scorch trees and plants.
Legal Position
There are no bye-laws which control the lighting of bonfires - but under The Environmental Protection Act 1990 smoke and ash from a bonfire causing annoyance to neighbours could be an offence rendering the person having the bonfire liable to prosecution.
Bonfire Code
Remember it is not illegal to have a bonfire and there are no local bye-laws preventing
you having one, however you must not cause a nuisance to your neighbours. A smoky
bonfire or having garden bonfires on a frequent basis may well cause a nuisance and
that can be an offence.
So, if you want to have the occasional garden bonfire - you will minimise the effect on
your neighbours by taking the following precautions...
• Only burn dry materials
• Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, plastics, foam, paint, treated or painted fence panels/ or wood.
• Never use solvents such as meths or petrol to light or encourage a fire
• Never have a bonfire in unsuitable weather conditions
• Avoid burning at weekends, bank holidays and when neighbours want to enjoy their gardens
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Douse with water if bonfire becomes a nuisance.
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