Service delays
Due to the current large workload, there may be a delay in responding to any untidy site enquiries.
Untidy sites
You can report untidy sites if they’re:
- visible from a public highway
- affecting the amenity of the area
- affecting more than one person or property.
Untidy sites may attract more environmental crimes, such as fly-tipping.
Before you report untidy sites to us, you should try to resolve the issue with the owner or occupier of the site.
If the site is only affecting your home or there is a fence (or similar) blocking the view, we may not be able to act. Please upload a photo of the site when you complete the form.
If untidy sites are left, they may become worse, and the area starts to feel neglected and unsafe. Untidy sites are rarely dangerous to public health but may have a negative impact on the local area.
You can also report untidy sites by phoning 01634 333 333.
View our confidentiality information.
Footway and highway vegetation
If vegetation is encroaching the public highway, you can report the details using our grass cuttings, hedge trimmings and shrubs webpage.
Trees
Trees are not considered an untidy land issue.
Empty or derelict buildings
Issues with derelict or empty properties should be reported to our planning department. To report a property, you believe to be empty or derelict, email planning.representations@medway.gov.uk.
More about empty or derelict buildings.
Pest and vermin issues
Report pest or vermin issues to our Environmental Protection team by calling 01634 333 333.
Evidence of the issue will need to be provided.
What you can do
There are laws about what action you can and cannot take.
You cannot go into a neighbour's garden to remove any foliage or rubbish.
You can cut back anything that comes over your side of the boundary. You should offer any clippings back to your neighbour as they belong to them.
What happens after you've reported the issue
Once we've established that it's an untidy site within the scope of the law, we will ask the owner to tidy the area.
We normally give the owner up to 28 days to confirm that the works needed will be completed and provide the start date. We will try and work with the owner to resolve the issue.
Serving notice
A notice can be served on the property or owner to request that they tidy it up.
The notice will tell them what needs to be done and when. It's an offence not to comply with the notice within the period specified.
If the requirements of the notice are not carried out in the required time the owner or resident could be fined and prosecuted at court.
Many of the problems of untidy sites are easy to put right.
Issues may include:
- sites with fly tipping, industrial or demolition waste
- builders rubble
- dumped sofas or furniture
- abandoned vehicles or caravans in poor condition.
Confidentiality
We'll keep details of the person who reported the untidy sites confidential.
In some cases, it may be obvious where the complaint has originated from, for example previous neighbour disputes.
If the case goes to court for non-compliance of a notice, then any photos taken will be used in evidence. This could mean it becomes apparent where the complaint originated from.