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tiffanysrevisionsession <3
01/12/2025
Law
Private Nuisance
141
•
1 Dec 2025
•
Understanding Private Nuisance Laws
tiffanysrevisionsession <3
@tiffanysrevisionsession
Understanding Private Nuisance
Private nuisance happens when someone unlawfully and indirectly interferes with your use or enjoyment of land from neighbouring property. The key word here is "unreasonable" - courts don't care what your neighbour is actually doing, but rather the impact it has on you.
This area of law deals with loss of amenity (not being able to do something due to noise, smells, etc.) and material damage (physical harm like cricket balls smashing your fence). Note that blocking light or TV reception doesn't count as private nuisance.
The courts use several factors to determine if interference is unreasonable. Duration matters - continuous interference at unreasonable hours is more likely to be unlawful (De Keyser's Royal Hotel v Spicer Bros). Sensitivity is also key - if you're being overly sensitive, that works in the defendant's favour.
Quick Tip: Think of private nuisance as a balancing act between neighbours' competing wants for land use.
Social benefit can make a difference too. In Miller v Jackson, a cricket club's benefit to the community was considered. However, malice - deliberately causing nuisance to annoy people - will always work against the defendant (Hollywood Silver Fox Farm v Emmett).
Parties and Locality
Only people with a legal interest in land can claim for private nuisance - you can't sue if you're just visiting (Hunter v Canary Wharf). The defendant can be anyone causing the nuisance, and you can even be liable for "adopting" someone else's nuisance.
Locality is crucial for determining what's reasonable. What counts as nuisance in a quiet residential area might be perfectly acceptable in an industrial zone. The character of the neighbourhood matters - has it changed over time? Is it town or country?
Courts consider whether the area is purely residential, mixed residential/commercial, or purely industrial. This was confirmed in Lloyds Village Windham Riverside Properties (2022). The standard is objective - judged by what an ordinary average person in the claimant's position would find unreasonable.
Remedies and Defences
You've got three main remedies available, and Coventry v Lawrence confirms courts can use any combination. Damages compensate for losses, injunctions stop the nuisance continuing, and abatement allows you to enter the defendant's property to stop the nuisance yourself.
The main defences include statutory authority (council permission to do the activity), prescription , and consent (you agreed to it). Interestingly, moving closer to an existing nuisance isn't a complete defence, though courts will consider it.
Remember: When tackling exam questions, always discuss whether the reasonableness factors favour the claimant or defendant - that's your route to top marks!
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Private Nuisance Laws
tiffanysrevisionsession <3
@tiffanysrevisionsession
Private nuisance law protects your right to enjoy your land without unreasonable interference from neighbours. It's all about balancing competing interests - what's reasonable for one person to do versus another person's right to peaceful enjoyment of their property.
Understanding Private Nuisance
Private nuisance happens when someone unlawfully and indirectly interferes with your use or enjoyment of land from neighbouring property. The key word here is "unreasonable" - courts don't care what your neighbour is actually doing, but rather the impact it has on you.
This area of law deals with loss of amenity (not being able to do something due to noise, smells, etc.) and material damage (physical harm like cricket balls smashing your fence). Note that blocking light or TV reception doesn't count as private nuisance.
The courts use several factors to determine if interference is unreasonable. Duration matters - continuous interference at unreasonable hours is more likely to be unlawful (De Keyser's Royal Hotel v Spicer Bros). Sensitivity is also key - if you're being overly sensitive, that works in the defendant's favour.
Quick Tip: Think of private nuisance as a balancing act between neighbours' competing wants for land use.
Social benefit can make a difference too. In Miller v Jackson, a cricket club's benefit to the community was considered. However, malice - deliberately causing nuisance to annoy people - will always work against the defendant (Hollywood Silver Fox Farm v Emmett).
Parties and Locality
Only people with a legal interest in land can claim for private nuisance - you can't sue if you're just visiting (Hunter v Canary Wharf). The defendant can be anyone causing the nuisance, and you can even be liable for "adopting" someone else's nuisance.
Locality is crucial for determining what's reasonable. What counts as nuisance in a quiet residential area might be perfectly acceptable in an industrial zone. The character of the neighbourhood matters - has it changed over time? Is it town or country?
Courts consider whether the area is purely residential, mixed residential/commercial, or purely industrial. This was confirmed in Lloyds Village Windham Riverside Properties (2022). The standard is objective - judged by what an ordinary average person in the claimant's position would find unreasonable.
Remedies and Defences
You've got three main remedies available, and Coventry v Lawrence confirms courts can use any combination. Damages compensate for losses, injunctions stop the nuisance continuing, and abatement allows you to enter the defendant's property to stop the nuisance yourself.
The main defences include statutory authority (council permission to do the activity), prescription , and consent (you agreed to it). Interestingly, moving closer to an existing nuisance isn't a complete defence, though courts will consider it.
Remember: When tackling exam questions, always discuss whether the reasonableness factors favour the claimant or defendant - that's your route to top marks!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user