BBQs

[Dulwichlass]

Hey, it’s Summer time and when weather is hot I need to keep my windows open as my flat is boiling. I get a lot of smoke from bbqs coming in and it’s making me chesty. I asked neighbour to move bbq from under window but it’s still there and I am getting smoked out in sunny weather. Surely this isn’t allowed? Are there any rules in Southwark about bbqs especially under first floor windows ? 

[Spartacus]

I don't think thete are any rules apart from be considerate if you are having one 

Are you in a Southwark Council flat? If so you may be able to discuss with the council if bbqs are allowed on the grounds.

Apart from that only suggestion is to join them 

[jazzer]

Like wood burners, bbq's should be banned in urban areas, Discuss..............................................

[Sue]

3 hours ago, Dulwichlass said:

Hey, it’s Summer time and when weather is hot I need to keep my windows open as my flat is boiling. I get a lot of smoke from bbqs coming in and it’s making me chesty. I asked neighbour to move bbq from under window but it’s still there and I am getting smoked out in sunny weather. Surely this isn’t allowed? Are there any rules in Southwark about bbqs especially under first floor windows ? 

I really sympathise.

Is this in the evening? Apparently keeping windows open during the day just makes the room hotter.

The only thing I can suggest is that you send your neighbour a friendly card saying (again) that the smoke is making you ill, please could they move their BBQ elsewhere and you are happy to help them move it (if you are!)

What did they say when you asked them before?

 

[Dulwichlass]

Thanks everyone. When I asked them before they just ignored me. If it was occasionally, I wouldnt mind and if they gave me notice but it’s every evening (except when it rains) from May to September. Their bbq is a big professional one and the smoke is very strong . I work from home lots, so like to keep the windows open until I finish which is around 7pm. 

Edited August 1 by Dulwichlass
Grammar

[first mate]

Given the huge amounts of smoke these can give off (according to design)  perhaps it is time for us all to consider giving up BBQs, just as many of us will have to reconsider the wisdom of running wood burners. On a very hot day, BBQ smoke is especially anti social and for anyone with breathing issues I'd imagine presents a serious risk.

Edited August 1 by first mate

[Sue]

Try asking the Citizens Advice Bureau for, er,  advice?

Or the community police (can't remember what they are called, but they deal diplomatically with issues with neighbours)?

Edited August 1 by Sue

[jazzer]

try chucking a bucket of water over it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only kidding

[Sephiroth]

it's an interesting subject tho. I used to love firing up a grill but after moving to a smaller garden some years back I eventually gave up after a couple of years. I just became too aware of the surroundings and the effect of the smoke on neighbours. No-one ever complained - but I just saw and smelt the smoke and decided it wasn't worth it

Do some of my neighbours have BBQs themselves? Yeah occasionally - but only that. I'm not bothered by that and don't have to suffer daily BBQs like some on here. But is "having a word" likely to help? Possibly - but I'd say most people are likely to respond with "none of your business" if they haven't considered the impact themselves

 

 

Edited August 2 by Sephiroth

[Dulwichlass]

Thanks Sephiroth, I have put up with bbq smoke for years and I tried suggesting again the other flat move it further away from my windows. They wont do so, even though it triggers my chest problems. I live on the first floor I get the direct impact from flat below, so have to close windows when I smell its on but by that point my flat is already filled with smoke. Thought since London already filled with air pollution there would be restrictions on bbqs. i wish we could find a compromise....

[IlonaM]

Have a chat with Southwark Noise & Nuisance Team as smoke can come under nuisance. They may be able to to advise, assess when it is ongoing, and maybe intervene to encourage your neighbour to move the bbq to another part of the garden. They don't just cover social housing residents, so worth a discussion.

[Dulwichlass]

I got smoked out this evening again. Bbq right under my window and makes me cough and splutter. Is there anything I can do to get them to move it? 

[Sue]

40 minutes ago, Dulwichlass said:

I got smoked out this evening again. Bbq right under my window and makes me cough and splutter. Is there anything I can do to get them to move it? 

Have you tried any of the suggestions above?

[Peckhampam]

This is on the southwark website

"Report bonfires and smoky chimneys

You can report a smoke nuisance or smoky chimney by calling our 24/7 call centre on 020 7525 5777.

Smoke nuisances are dealt with by the visiting officer. 

We work seven days a week and aim to be with you in 60 minutes. This may vary due to seasonal demands. Please check the availability of the service at the time of your call."

I would think you could argue that a BBQ is also a smoke nuisnace.

Good luck

 

[Dulwichlass]

Yeah I tried the council today and explained bbq happens every evening and they said to call again Monday. I also asked the ground floor again to move bbq from under my window but they won’t. I close windows as soon as they fire up but windows are old and one broken (can’t afford to change) , so smoke still creeps in. I have a fan above where they have bbq, so think that’s why I get so much smoke!  I haven’t tried local police, as that’s a last resort. Some evenings I try to be to out to avoid bbq smoke but sometimes I need to be in and just want to relax without smoke fumes. I can’t move due to house prices! 

1 hour ago, Peckhampam said:

This is on the southwark website

"Report bonfires and smoky chimneys

You can report a smoke nuisance or smoky chimney by calling our 24/7 call centre on 020 7525 5777.

Smoke nuisances are dealt with by the visiting officer. 

We work seven days a week and aim to be with you in 60 minutes. This may vary due to seasonal demands. Please check the availability of the service at the time of your call."

I would think you could argue that a BBQ is also a smoke nuisnace.

Good luck

 

Thanks. This is helpful. I will try 

Edited August 2 by Dulwichlass
Grammar

[malumbu]

Neighbourhood police (SNT) can be good, they should at least talk to both partners.  This is a health/safety issue

[teddyboy23]

Hook some nice big flower pots on window frame and ledge if you have one .and give them a good soaking every time the idiots below light up .and tell tell them you will be doing this every day until the end of September.then suggest they move their bbq from under your window so they don't end up with soggie 🍔 s

[Angelina]

I think you’ve posted problems with your neighbours before. Suggest you make a record of everything and take photos, especially of the smoke 

[Sue]

42 minutes ago, teddyboy23 said:

Hook some nice big flower pots on window frame and ledge if you have one .and give them a good soaking every time the idiots below light up .and tell tell them you will be doing this every day until the end of September.then suggest they move their bbq from under your window so they don't end up with soggie 🍔 s

The problem with that is that it just increases the animosity between the people involved.

36 minutes ago, Angelina said:

I think you’ve posted problems with your neighbours before. Suggest you make a record of everything and take photos, especially of the smoke 

I think you may be referring to a comment Dulwichlass  made on a thread about another forum member's problem with their neighbours?

[IlonaM]

Also, as it is affecting your health, get in touch with your GP and the impact of the smoke, stress etc. onto your medical record.

Regarding diarising incidents: creating a table is quite handy i.e.

Date

Time start

Time end

Duration

Room/s affected

Nature of incident

How it affected you/interaction with neighbours if any/any other notes i.e. contact with SNT/ASB team etc.

[teddyboy23]

Don't let other people dictate your life.

[Sue]

3 hours ago, teddyboy23 said:

Don't let other people dictate your life.

That's easy enough to say!