There is no law restricting times when you can have a domestic garden bonfire, but it is important to think about your neighbours and other local residents.
The Council can take action where smoke from bonfires is causing a statutory nuisance.
Just because you can see a garden bonfire or smell smoke does not make it a nuisance - to be a nuisance it must be unreasonably affecting your use or enjoyment of your property. Issues that can play a part in deciding whether it is a nuisance include the size of the fire, the materials being burnt, the weather and the smell.
If the Council is satisfied there is a nuisance, then a legal notice will be served to prevent any further nuisances. If nuisances continue and are proved beyond all reasonable doubt then the person responsible may be prosecuted in a Magistrates' Court and fined up to £5,000.
If you wish to have a garden bonfire you are advised to follow the guidance below:
To make a complaint report a smoke nuisance using our online form.
Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)
Email: domestic.noise@coventry.gov.uk
Tel: 024 7683 1853
Emergency out of hours (between 6pm-3am)