SMOKE CONTROL

Clean Air Act 1993 & Smoke Control Areas      

 The environmental Protection act of 1990 stated that smoke emitted from premises can be a statutory nuisance and that action could be taken to remedy the issue. The Clean Air Act was introduced in 1956 following the great smog of 1952 (caused by the burning of coal). Further acts followed in 1968 and 1993. Under the Clean Air Act local authorities may declare the whole or part of a district of the authority to be a smoke control area. It is an offence to;

• Emit smoke from a chimney of a building, from a furnace or from any fixed boiler if located in a designated smoke control area.
• Acquire an “unauthorised fuel” for use within a smoke control area unless it is used in an exempt appliance.
• The current maximum level of fine is £1,000 for each offence.

Exempt Appliances                                        

Exempt appliances are appliances (ovens, wood burners and stoves) which have been exempted by Statutory Instruments (Orders) under the Clean Air Act 1993 or Clean Air (Northern Ireland) Order 1981. These have passed tests to confirm that they are capable of burning an unauthorised or inherently smoky solid fuel without emitting smoke. see http://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/appliances.php.

An exempt appliance is inherently cleaner burning and therefore more efficient than a non-exempt appliance.

Advice: for safety reasons, care should be taken to ensure that all exempt appliances are correctly installed and properly maintained (including flues and chimneys). Only fuel for which the appliance is designed should be used.

For further details of smoke control Areas, authorised fuels and exempted appliances please visit Smoke Control Area Interactive Map 

Do I live in a smoke control Area?

Smoke Control Area Interactive Map This interactive tool allows you to explore the location of Smoke Control Areas and exemptions in England only. Download the guidebook on how to use this tool here

A smoke control area is an area where people and businesses must not:

• emit smoke from a chimney

• buy or sell unauthorised fuel for use in a smoke control area unless it’s used in an ‘exempt’ appliance (appliances which are approved to use in smoke control areas)

This data has been provided to Defra by local authorities. This data is indicative only and you should always contact your local council to confirm if you live in a Smoke Control Area.

Local Authorities are responsible for designation and supervision of Smoke Control Areas.  Smoke control areas have been introduced in many large towns and cities in the UK (including virtually all of London) and in large parts of the Midlands, North West, South Yorkshire, North East of England, Central and Southern Scotland. To be certain if you are or are not located in a smoke control area it is recommended that you contact contact the Environmental Health or Protection department of your Local Authority. Contact details for your Local Authority can be found here:  http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/Localcouncils/index.htm England: http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/Start.do?mode=1 and https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/data/sca/ 
 

Windsor and Maidenhead Smoke Control Zones (Sept 2013)

As of September 2013 The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead have only 3 Smoke control Zones in force. Outlines below.

Slough Burough Council Smoke Control Zones (Sept 2013)

All of the Slough area is covered by smoke control orders.
These were made to reduce air pollution in the town, mainly arising from the use of coal for heating purposes.

The growth of the renewable energy sector has meant that the  number of smoke control areas is also increasing rapidly. We would always recommend using an exempt appliance wherever possible. Not only does this future proof your installation but ensures a greater efficiency, a cleaner burning appliance and an unpolluted environment for all.

For friendly, professional advice call Windsor & Eton Stoves today on 0800 678 5041 or email sales@windsorandetonstoves.co.uk