Nuisance from barbecues

A settlement in the nuisance claim brought by Highbury Fields residents in Highbury Magistrates’ Court over barbecuing in the Fields has been reached. Local residents had instructed William Upton and Richard Buxton Environmental & Public Law to help bring a case in statutory nuisance against the Council under s.82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The agreement involves the formal end of the proceedings, which were due to start this week, and Islington Borough Council will sponsor a new bye-law to regulate the use of barbecues to reduce the impact from smoke and odour on local residents. The case was brought after seven years of trying to persuade the Council to temper or reverse its policy of lifting any ban on barbecues. The stage had been reached when over 60 barbecues could be recorded on busy days. It is hoped that the restrictions will permit everyone to enjoy the Fields in the future.

Click here for news coverage of the case