First contact with council regards smoke

Hello everyone,


Below is my first correspondence with council albeit I incorrectly sent this through to Rockdale council. I subsequently read the council websites and they stated that the best way to resolve problems is speaking with your neighbors directly.

This has worked up to a point but the proprietor of Artichoke now has stated to me that he is free to pollute as he has council approval, and that I should not bother him and to speak direct with council if I have any problems.

I aim now to keep chipping away build a network of contacts with fellow residents, Councillors,  perhaps even legal council and see what we can do to get our clean air back.

Thank you for your consideration

Best Regards
Mark

//***** First letter to council *********//

Hello Council staff,

Recently there has opened a new wood fired Pizza shop opposite Penshurst station.

The negative impact is that smoke does not disperse well from this location and ends up in residents back yards.

This summer evening 7th Jan 2012 at 7PM smoke is wafting into my living areas and bedroom.

I have approached the owner and he is a lovely gentleman and has said he will do something about this, I understand that he has already extended the flue, I am not sure what additional measures he can take? Can this smoke be filtered or a much larger flue be built so that the smoke does not end up in our back yards.

It is just really terrible to sit in your home and be exposed to smoke while eating a meal and watching tv.

This is my first contact on the matter and I will be making additional approaches. I find this an instance of exceptionally poor planning on councils behalf.

Please advise what next steps we can take to have this problem reviewed and hopefully a good resolution to all involved. Should I canvas other residents and see if I am being hyper sensitive on this issue?

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Best Regards

Mark