Smoke Control Order

Smoke Control Areas are introduced in order to reduce smoke emissions and associated air pollution in a designated place through fuel and appliance regulations. Some areas in Blaby District have been designated Smoke Control Areas. Smoke has been found to contain several air pollutants including fine Particulate Matter which can have negative impacts on your health. Following Defra's guidance on low-emission burners and efficient fuels will reduce your exposure to emissions and is advised even if you don’t live in a designated Smoke Control Area. 

Within a Smoke Control Area, it is an offence to emit smoke from a chimney (including domestic chimneys, from burners / stoves or fixed boilers, and chimneys attached to wooden sheds / summer houses). Full rules and guidance can be found on the government webpage on Smoke Control Areas (please see External links below).  

Bonfires and allotment bonfires are not included in smoke control regulations but rules on bonfires should be followed (please see External links below). Barbecues are allowed but consideration should be made to neighbours.

The current Smoke Control Orders for Blaby District relate to areas of the following parishes:

• Blaby
• Braunstone Town
• Enderby
• Glenfield
• Glen Parva
• Kirby Muxloe
• Leicester Forest East
• Narborough
• Whetstone

An interactive map of Smoke Control Areas in the whole of the UK can be found on the Defra website (please see External links below). This has a postcode search function allowing you to check if your property is within a Smoke Control Area.

Penalties

You can be fined up to £300 if you live in a Smoke Control Area and smoke is released from your chimney.

It is an offence to buy an unauthorised fuel for use in a non-approved appliance. The current maximum fine is £1,000 for each offence.

Exempt Appliances

Before installing a wood-burning stove or log burner you must consider whether or not your property is in a Smoke Control Area. Use of Defra-approved exempt appliances is permitted within a Smoke Control Area (please see External links below).

The permitted fuels for your particular make and model should be checked on the Defra website before use. Unauthorised fuels, such as wood (with a water content below 20%), can be used in some exempt appliances but alternatives are advised where possible.

If you are planning on installing an approved solid fuel-burning appliance, several factors should be taken into consideration:

• Ensure the appliance is correctly installed by a fully competent engineer
• The appliance is regularly serviced and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• The chimney should be lined and of sound construction, with the correct pot fitted and compliant with building regulations and planning permission
• The chimney should be swept a minimum of once a year
• Ensure the Council’s Building Control Team is notified of new installations, and advice/building regulations sought if a new chimney has been installed/built

Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme (HETAS) is a government authorised body that approves biomass and solid fuel heating appliances, fuels and services (including a register of approved, competent installers). HETAS runs a Cleaner Choice scheme that approves appliances for low emissions meaning choosing these appliances is best for your health and the environment. More information is available on the HETAS website (please see External links below).

Authorised Fuel

A list of fuels that have been authorised for use within Smoke Control Areas can be found on the Smoke Control Areas pages of the Defra website (please see External links below).

In addition to those listed as ‘authorised fuels’, other ‘smokeless’ fuels that can be burned are:

• Anthracite
• Semi-anthracite
• Gas
• Low volatile steam coal

Look for the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo on the fuel you buy to make sure the fuel you use burns as cleanly as possible. For more information visit the Ready to Burn website (see External links below).