Background - Following the "pea-souper" smog episodes of the 1950's the UK government passed legislation that allowed councils to restrict domestic smoke emissions by declaring smoke control areas (SCA's)
What is a smoke control area? - A smoke control area is an area set by the council where smoke is not allowed to escape from domestic chimneys. View a map showing the area within borough that this includes (in pdf format). If you allow smoke to escape from your chimney in an SCA, you could be prosecuted. To avoid this please use one of the authorised solid smokeless fuels on your solid fuel fire or change to gas, electricity or oil. Some woodstoves have also been authorised for use in smoke control areas.
It is also an offence to obtain unauthorised fuel for use in a non-exempt fireplace within an SCA.
The Clean Air Act prohibits the sale of unauthorised solid fuels for delivery to a building within an SCA unless the building or fireplace is exempt.
The following link, UK Smoke Control Areas, gives more detailed information which includes details of :-
The Clean Air Act 1993 Fuels which are authorised for use in Smoke Control Areas Exempt Appliances
Garden Bonfires - You are allowed to burn garden rubbish in an SCA but you should take care not cause a nuisance to your neighbours, further advice about garden bonfires. The borough council encourages everybody to dispose of their garden and kitchen waste in a sustainable way by using the composting schemes at Clayhill and Rossmore Household Waste Sites or by using a home composter. Reduced priced compost bins are available from the Recycle Now website by clicking on the link:- Recycle Now or by phoning 0845 077 0757 and quoting reference CHE04W.
