Smoke Control Order Consultation

Q. What are the rules in a Smoke Control Area?

A. You cannot emit smoke from a chimney within a building. You can burn only an authorised fuel unless you use an appliance approved by DEFRA (known as an ‘exempt appliance’). View the list of authorised fuels on the DEFRA website.

You must not buy an unauthorised fuel for use in a smoke control area, unless it is to be used in an exempt appliance - view a list of exempt appliances on the DEFRA website.

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you break the rules. You can visit the Government Website Smoke Control Area Rules for more information.

Q. What are authorised fuels?

A. Authorised fuels are fuels which are authorised by Statutory Instruments (Regulations) made under the Clean Air Act 1993. These include inherently smokeless fuels such as anthracite, semi-anthracite, gas, low volatile steam coal and specific brands of manufactured solid smokeless fuels.

These fuels have passed tests to confirm that they can burn in an open fireplace without producing smoke. A list of fuels which are authorised for use in Smoke Control Areas is available by visiting the DEFRA website. 

Q. Where can I buy authorised fuel from?

A. Legislation called the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 requires that the sale of wood for domestic combustion in England must have the “Ready to Burn” logo, more information is available on the Ready to Burn website.

Authorised smokeless fuels are sold by some hardware shops, petrol filling stations and DIY stores and are clearly labelled 'ready to burn’.

Q. What can I burn in an open fire place?

A. You must not burn any wood on an open fire, although a small amount of kindling or timber wood can be used to light the fire. You can only burn fuel on the list of authorised fuels.

Q. Can I still use a barbecue, chimenea, fireplace or pizza oven with a Smoke Control Area?

A. Yes. You can use outdoor barbecues, chimeneas, fireplaces or pizza ovens within a Smoke Control Area, however if any of these appliances release smoke through a chimney of a building (i.e., a summerhouse, garage etc.) they can only burn authorised fuel or must be exempt appliances.

Q. Can I still use my non-exempt appliance?

A. Yes, but only with authorised fuels. The list of authorised fuels is available on Defra’s website.

Q. Does a Smoke Control Area apply to garden bonfires?

A. No. You are allowed garden bonfires in Smoke Control Areas, however you must follow the Government’s rules on bonfires - information on this is available on the Gov.uk website. 

We do discourage people from having garden bonfires which can cause serious nuisance to neighbouring properties.

Q. What are the health impacts of wood/coal burning stoves and open fireplaces?

A. In the UK, the single biggest source of particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) is from domestic burning. We spend over 90% of our time indoors, and having a wood burning stove lit has a negative impact on indoor air quality. This makes it a significant risk to public health.

Everyone is at risk from indoor air pollution, but you are more vulnerable if you have COPD, asthma or other lung conditions or are elderly or a child. Particulate matter air pollution can cause coughs, dizziness, inflamed airways and shortness of breath. It increases the risk of pneumonia, COPD and lung cancer, as well as heart disease and stroke, leading to early death. It can also impact pregnancy and the development of children’s lungs.

Q. I have or want to use a wood burning stove, how do I minimise indoor air pollution from it?

• Choose an energy efficient stove which is ‘Ecodesign Compliant’ more information about these types of stoves can be found at www.hetas.co.uk . These are energy efficient appliances that have been independently verified by HETAS, to help lower UK emissions and improve air quality.
• Use fuel labelled Ready to Burn for both wood and manufactured solid fuels.
• Ensure that you have it serviced and swept regularly– 40% of chimney fires take place between January and March
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for using and refuelling the stove.
  
  

Q. Aren’t cars and lorries a more important source of particulate matter?

A. Domestic combustion is a major source of particulate matter emissions in 2021, accounting for 16 per cent of PM10 emissions and 27 per cent of PM2.5 emissions. Road transport remains a major source of PM emissions (12 per cent of PM10 and 13 per cent of PM2.5 in 2021). Details of this are available on the Gov.uk website. 

Q. What about smoke from homes in other local authorities in the Nottinghamshire?

A. Other local neighbouring local authorities also have Smoke Control Areas. All of Nottingham City, Ashfield and Mansfield are Smoke Control Areas other LAs currently have Smoke Control Areas covering some of their built up areas.

Q. Will using authorised fuels cost me more money?

A. Authorised solid fuels are designed to be more efficient at burning so are cheaper than using coal. However, if you are concerned about the cost of heating your home as you are on a low income there is help and advice available.

Under the government’s ‘Affordable Warmth’ scheme you may be able to get financial help for energy-saving home improvements. For example, you live in social housing and your home has an energy efficiency rating of E, F or G, you may also be able to get help with insulation or installing a heating system for the first time. If you're not sure what efficiency rating your home has, check its energy performance certificate. Alternatively, ask your landlord or housing association.

For more information on these schemes, and full eligibility criteria, go to the Simple Energy Advice UK website or Tel: 0800 444202

It’s also worth checking if you qualify for the government’s Warm Home Discount, a £140 annual credit paid to your energy account. Find out if you’re eligible at the Warm Home Discount Scheme website.