Smoke

Solid fuel burning, such as wood and coal fires, releases particulate matter and other pollutants which can harm air quality. Smoke, Burning and Air Quality are covered in more detail on our Air Quality page. 

It is an offence to emit smoke from the chimney of a building that is situated within a designated smoke control area.  It is also an offence to deliver an "unauthorised fuel" for use within a designated smoke control area, unless this fuel is to be used on an appliance that has been "exempted" from the controls that generally apply to smoke control areas.

Details of both the authorised fuels and exempt wood burning stoves can be found on the Defra Website

Residents can burn one of the "authorised" solid smokeless fuels on an open fire or stove and these fuels can be readily ignited in a traditional manner, by using a combination of kindling paper and firelighters. Wood is not classed an "authorised" fuel and must only be burnt on an "exempt " appliance that has been tested and found to be compliant with the provisions of the Clean Air Act 1993.

Just because it is called smokeless fuel, doesn't mean that it will not produce smoke and this fuel will still emit harmful particulate matter into the air and your homes.

Prior to the installation of a wood burning stove in a smoke control area it is essential to ensure that:

1.  The appliance is a DEFRA "exempt" stove.
2. The relevant planning permissions have been obtained in respect of the chimney/flue height.
3. The appliance is installed by a HETAS registered installer or alternatively, the installation inspected by a suitably qualified building inspector to ensure compliance with current building regulations. Further information is available from the HETAS website

In addition, further detailed information regarding the installation, use and operation of solid fuel heating appliances can be gained on Solid Fuel Association Website