Smoke Control

The smoke control programme, which limits the emission of smoke in the District, is now complete in Wyre Forest. Both residential and commercial properties in certain areas are covered by the programme, restricting chimney emissions to exempt appliances and authorised fuels.

Smoke control areas are not smoke free zones but are specifically concerned with regulating smoke from chimney flues and not, as many people assume, from bonfires.

For information relating to garden bonfires please visit Environmental Protection UK

 

The Clean Air Acts, consolidated in 1993 allowed Councils to establish Smoke Control Areas to improve air quality by the burning of cleaner fuels in these areas.

The first Clean Air Act was introduced in 1956 as a result of one of the worst environmental disasters recorded in this country when in February 1952 over 4000 deaths in a five day period were attributed to a London Smog caused mainly by coal burning in industrial and domestic heating fires.

Which areas are subject to Smoke Control?
 

Click to view A-Z of Street Names covered by the Wyre Forest Smoke Control Area  (42K)

Click to view Wyre Forest Smoke Control Area map (shaded areas)  (296K)

What fuels may be burned in a Smoke Control Area?

Clean fuels that should burn without giving rise to smoke such as gas and oil, as well as electric heating, can be used in a smoke control area.  Solid fuels can be used although, as it is an offence to cause smoke from a chimney in a smoke control, area you should make sure that you:

 

1)  Use an authorised (smokeless) fuel

These fuels are often referred to as 'smokeless fuels' and as they burn with minimum smoke they can be burnt on open grate fires.  Coal and wood are not authorised fuels and should not be burnt on such fires.

Note that other solid fuel heating appliances such as room heaters/closed appliances are often designated to burn specific authorised fuels and examples of these include the Parkray Consort/Chevin, the Charnwood and the Trianco Redfyre.

Authorised smokeless fuels should be available from all reputable coal merchants.

 

2)  Use an exempt heating appliance

Any coal, wood or other fuel which is not an authorised smokeless fuel used in a smoke control area, must be burnt on an exempt heating appliance.

If you are thinking of buying an appliance to burn a fuel that is not an authorised smokeless fuel, always check the appliance is exempt for use in a smoke control area.

Note that many closed stoves, cooking ranges and free standing pot belly stoves are not exempt and only authorised 'Smokeless' fuels should be burnt on them.

Exempt and Authorised appliances

Gas, Electric, Oil (on suitable appliances)	are smokeless and exempt
Open Fires	Burn smokeless fuel only Burning wood or coal is an offence
Closed Room Heaters/Stoves (other than exempt appliances)	Burn smokeless fuel only Burning wood or coal is an offence
Exempt Appliances	May burn wood or coal but must be to the manufacturer's recommendations

 

 

All complaints and any observations made by officers of the Council of smoke from a chimney are investigated.

The Council prefers to adopt an educational role to help people's understanding of the need for smoke control areas and why it is important for everyone to comply with this legislation.  However, where appropriate, the Council will take court action against persons or companies found to be committing an offence and they can be fined up to £1000 if found guilty.

Note that large commercial solid fuel installations have some exemptions from this legislation although excessive smoke from such plant is not permitted.

 

For further advice regarding smoke control areas, fuels and heating appliances, or if you wish to make a complaint about smoke from a chimney, please email the Customer Services Team or telephone them on 01562 732928.

Alternatively, visit UK Smoke Control Areas website

For independent advice on all aspects of fuels and appliances visit the Solid Fuel Association website.