GDL Tort Nuisance Practice Test 2025 – Your All-In-One Guide to Exam Success!

In the context of Heath v Mayor of Brighton, the concept of unreasonable use of land is primarily defined by social norms. This case highlights the balancing act between a landowner's rights to use their property and the rights of others to enjoy their property without undue disturbance. Social norms play a critical role in determining what constitutes reasonable versus unreasonable use, as they reflect the community's expectations regarding acceptable behavior and practices on land.

In essence, what may be permissible in one community might be deemed unreasonable in another, illustrating that the understanding of nuisance is not fixed solely by legal standards or individual property rights. Instead, it is heavily influenced by the collective values and norms of society. In this case, the court takes into consideration what a reasonable person in the community would regard as acceptable, thereby grounding the definition of unreasonable use within the context of social practices and expectations.