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Accumulations
Complaints concerning accumulations of refuse within the boundary of residential premises can be dealt with by the Environmental Health where there is a Public Health nuisance. This is likely to occur where waste (such as domestic food waste) is present which will attract vermin or where vermin are present because of the waste.  If an accumulation is on your property or land the responsibility lies with you to make sure it is kept clear.

Following an investigation of a complaint a decision will be made as to whether, an accumulation is judged to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance. If Environmental Health is satisfied that a nuisance exists then an abatement notice will be served on the person responsible for the nuisance (or on the owner or occupier of the premises if the person responsible cannot be identified or found). Failure to comply with an abatement notice may result in prosecution with a maximum fine of £5000 (or £20 000 for industrial, trade or business premises).

In most instances, overgrown gardens do not cause or constitute a Public Health Nuisance or Environmental Health issue, and although they are untidy and look unsightly there are usually no factors which Environmental Health could act upon and become involved with. Vegetation from overgrown gardens can, if it is encroaching over the property boundary, be cut off by the affected property owner to the boundary line.