Smoke Control Areas

Were introduced in the 1970-80's for the purpose of minimising air pollution from the impact of coal burning in dense urban areas. Areas which are declared smoke control areas are Worcester City and parts of Kidderminster. 

By law, in smoke control areas,

 

  • You cannot release smoke from your chimney, and
  • You can only burn authorised fuel, unless you use a Defra approved appliance – this is known as an ‘exempt appliance’

 

You must only use the types of fuel that the manufacturer says can be used in the exempt appliance. Unauthorised fuels, such as wood, can only be burned in exempt appliances.

 

A list of fuels you burn is available from DEFRA list of authorised fuels

 

The following ‘smokeless’ fuels can only be used if you’re using a Defra approved appliance:

 

  • anthracite
  • semi-anthracite
  • gas
  • low volatile steam coal

 

The rules cover smoke emissions in a smoke control area, cover

 

  • a chimney of any building - any structure with a roof and walls - this includes wooden structures such as sheds and summerhouses
  • a chimney for the furnace of any fixed boiler or industrial plant
  • moored vessels, for example canal boats, if these are included in a smoke control area

 

Further information is available at Smoke control areas: the rules - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

New rules came into force on 1st May 2021 restricting the sale of wood and manufactured solid fuels – the rules apply to sellers of such fuels, meaning they have to have their fuels tested and certified and display the ‘Ready To Burn’ logo on the packaging.

The sale of raw house coal and unseasoned wood is no longer permitted throughout England and Wales.

Purchasers should check to ensure that all fuel they buy has the certification.

Further information for consumers is available from HETAS and Woodsure

Ready to Burn - what consumers need to know - HETAS

Ready to Burn - a Woodsure initiative for firewood and briquettes

Further Information

Nearly all stoves sold in the UK today are DEFRA approved and compliant. With the exception of simple pot bellied stoves and single chamber incinerators. Open fires are not classified as appliances therefore all fuel burnt on a open fire in a smokeless zone must adhere to approved fuel types below. Gas and Oil Fired appliances (including boilers) are exempt from these controls.

 


Approved Certified Fuels:

A full list of certified fuels approved for use in smoke control areas is available on the DEFRA website - Fuels - Defra, UK

Wood:

Must be burnt in an 'approved appliance' however wood kindling is acceptable in open fires. Approved appliances are stoves/small wood incinerators that have been tested to comply with British standard PD 6434 and British Standard 3841 Part 2. As mentioned above the majority of modern appliances in the UK are compliant but if you would like to check yours then the list can be obtained from the DEFRA website - Appliances - Defra, UK


DEFRA have produced a series of guides to raise awareness of actions that householders can take to reduce their impact on their health and air quality from domestic burning. These include advice on choosing the right stove, using the right fuels, maintenance and Smoke Control Area Rules and can be accessed via the following links:


Further information is available from the following websites:


 

Kidderminster Smoke Control Area Interactive Map

 

Worcester City Smoke Control Interactive Map