Odours, Dust and Fumes

We often receive enquiries from our residents about odours in our District, and our most common type of odour is from farming activities.

The ability of an odour to be carried over long distances in the air means that it can affect a large number of people, and make it difficult for us to find the cause.

People are also affected in different ways depending on their sensitivity to the odour, what may be a horrible smell for one person may not be for another.

Our leaflet called ‘Odours’ which is a available to view or download from the document section below, explains the law and gives some advice about the most common causes of odours.

We can also provide advice or investigate complaints about the smell of fumes or dust.

What you should do if you are having problems with an odour, fumes or dust

In most circumstances the problem can easily be resolved by politely telling the person about it, if they do not know it is a problem they cannot deal with it. If after a reasonable amount of time nothing has been done to solve the problem, you can register your complaint with us.

You can do this by completing our on-line form ‘make a complaint about an odour, fumes or dust’ using the link below.

Or if you require any further advice you may contact us by phone on 01702 318111 and ask for the Environmental Protection Unit, or e-mail customerservices@rochford.gov.uk

Fumes from vehicles

You can report a bus or a lorry for having a very smoky exhaust by phoning the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) phone: 0300 123 9000, or you can download a form by following the link to their website below.

For advice and information about exhaust fumes from any vehicle you should contact the Highways Department at Essex County council their website can be found in the links below.

Other fumes - could it be a gas leak?

Many residents call us to complain about fumes, and do not consider that it could be a gas leak. If you think that the smell could be gas you should call the National Gas Emergency Service by phoning 0800 111 999. They can arrange for a check to be made for a gas leak. For more information please follow the link to the National Gas Emergency website below.

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