Key Points
- Numerous complaints about unpleasant odours were reported in Redbridge borough last week.
- The source was identified as agricultural muck spreading at a farm in neighbouring Barking & Dagenham.
- This is a lawful and routine practice linked to preparing fields for maize sowing next year.
- Unusual wind directions caused the odour to travel into Redbridge, causing disturbance.
- Redbridge and Barking & Dagenham councils coordinated to investigate and engage with the farmer.
- Measures to prevent odour impact include avoiding stockpiling and promptly mixing manure into soil.
- The odour is no longer detectable, feedback confirms the smell has dissipated.
- Residents who complained will receive direct responses from the council.
- The councils continue to monitor and discuss mitigation to avoid recurrence.
What Happened with the Agricultural Smell Complaints?
As reported by Redbridge Council in their official statement on 30 September 2025, a significant number of complaints were received by the council’s Pollution Control Team regarding unpleasant odours affecting various parts of Redbridge borough. The investigations identified the likely source of the odour as a farm located in neighbouring Barking & Dagenham borough, where agricultural muck spreading was taking place. The spreading of manure is part of routine farm activity in preparation for sowing maize for next year’s crop. This activity is both lawful and occurs annually but the particular unusual factor last week was wind direction.
Normally, south-westerly winds would carry agricultural odours away from Redbridge. However, last week, the wind shifted to a north-easterly and south-easterly direction at approximately 14 mph, which likely caused the smell to travel further into residential areas within Redbridge, creating the disturbances that residents reported.
Who Was Involved in the Investigation?
The Redbridge Council Pollution Control Team liaised with their counterparts in Barking & Dagenham Council after complaints were received from both boroughs, although fewer complaints were logged in Barking & Dagenham. Officers from Barking & Dagenham visited the farm to speak directly with the farmer to ensure adherence to best practices aimed at reducing odour impact. In particular, the council stressed the importance of avoiding stockpiling manure and promptly mixing or turning it into the soil to mitigate smell.
Both councils’ Pollution Control Teams planned a joint site visit at the farm to further assess the situation and discuss enhanced mitigation measures.
How Has the Situation Developed?
According to the latest communication from Redbridge Council, the odour is no longer detectable, and recent resident feedback confirms that the smell has dissipated. The council thanked residents for their patience and understanding throughout the situation and issued assurances that those who lodged complaints will receive direct responses soon. This public statement serves to clarify that the issue has been actively addressed and remains under monitoring to prevent any future recurrence.
What Are the Broader Context and Regulations Regarding Agricultural Odours?
Complaints related to agricultural odours are a common seasonal occurrence in farming areas. According to the DEFRA Code of Good Agricultural Practice, spreading of manure and bio-solids should be done under conditions intended to minimise odour. For instance, best practices include avoiding spreading near homes, not spreading during evenings or weekends, and promptly incorporating manure into the soil to reduce smell emissions.
Moreover, local councils such as Stafford Borough Council and West Northamptonshire Council note that agricultural activities like muck spreading are lawful practices, where some odour must be tolerated. Enforcement actions typically occur only if odour causes a statutory nuisance—that is, if it is substantial, continuous, significant, and materially impacts residents’ homes.
Are Similar Agricultural Odour Complaints Common Elsewhere?
Agricultural odour complaints are a repeated issue in various jurisdictions. For example, Torridge District Council (March 2025) documented frequent complaints during spring and summer linked to manure and slurry spreading. Investigations and enforcement hinge on whether best practices outlined in agricultural codes are followed.
Furthermore, in other contexts like the Netherlands, similar situations occur with large-scale farms. For instance, a legal cannabis farm near Rotterdam faced thousands of odour complaints and judicial scrutiny in 2025, highlighting the challenges of balancing lawful agricultural activity and community comfort.
What Steps Are Being Taken to Manage Agricultural Odours Going Forward?
Redbridge and Barking & Dagenham councils’ coordinated efforts represent a proactive approach to managing agricultural odours by engaging farmers, monitoring practices, and raising awareness about best practices. The councils’ Pollution Control Teams continue to meet to discuss ongoing and future mitigation measures to ensure that lawful agricultural activities do not unduly affect residents.
Such management includes:
- Encouraging farmers to promptly incorporate manure into soil.
- Avoiding stockpiling.
- Timing spreading to reduce odour impact given prevailing wind directions.
- Maintaining open communication with affected communities.
The agricultural smell complaints affecting Redbridge borough in late September 2025 have been traced to lawful muck spreading activities in a neighbouring borough. Though routine, unusual wind directions caused the odour to be carried into residential areas, prompting significant resident complaints. Through coordinated investigations, engagement with the farmer, and adherence to best practice, Redbridge Council reports that the odour has now dissipated, with measures in place to mitigate future impact. Councils remain vigilant to balance agricultural practices with residents’ quality of life.
