We are here to protect local people’s health and way of life. We advise people on how to stop pollution happening and take tough action if needed to make people stop doing it.
If you need to get advice, or report a problem, contact our Environmental Protection team on
Telephone: 01327 322295
Email: environmental.protection@southnorthants.gov.uk
Environmental Protection Team
Environment Division
South Northamptonshire Council
Springfields
Towcester NN12 6AE
Or just click on the links for the info you need:
We deal with complaints and keep an eye on potential polluters.
You can have a look at our policies in detail by clicking on:
General air pollution control
Under the Clean Air Act, 1993, we control smoke emissions and the height of chimneys.
To get approval for a chimney, you will need to fill in our form, which you can download by clicking on Application Chimney Height Approval (pdf/ 414Kb).
We aim to give you a decision within 28 days of seeing your application, unless we all agree it has to take longer. Remember you may also need planning permission for your chimney.
If your home is more than 15 years old, it's possible that it has asbestos in it in places such as on a garage roof or as part of drainpipes.
Don't panic if you think you have asbestos in your home - it's usually only a problem if it's disturbed.
We can deal with complaints about noise and mess from construction, and take action if needed. We can regulate noise and tend to follow the national standard that only allows noisy work like hammering between:
Monday to Friday – 7.30 am to 6.00 pm
Saturday – 8.00 am to 12.30 pm
Sunday – No noisy work
Public / Bank Holidays – No noisy work
Developers can apply for consent from us to carry out work.
Download the Application for Consent Construction Sites (pdf/196Kb).
You need a permit for processes that could cause significant air pollution. Typical processes are car re-sprayers and other big users of solvents, quarries, petrol stations and large boilers. If you fail to meet the terms of the permit it can mean a fine and the closure of your site.
Permit application forms can be downloaded at:
Some land in this country has been contaminated in the past by industries such as gasworks and chemical works. They can be harmful and have to be dealt with. We have a job under the law of keeping a register of this land and getting the owners to clean it up. This is to protect the people who live there now or nearby. But the polluter usually pays, even if they don’t own the land any more. The land can’t be developed until the pollution is cleared up.
For more information click on: