Smoke Control Areas

Many people think that living in a smoke control area means that you can't have bonfires. This isn't true. If you are having problems with regard to bonfire smoke we have information here. The order only applies to burning fuel on fireplaces, stoves, in boilers and other similar appliances. It is in effect preventing emissions of smoke from chimneys and flues of buildings. 

This is normally achieved in one of three ways 

1. You will be using electricity, gas or oil to produce heat in your home. 
2. You will be burning a solid smokeless fuel on a suitable appliance 
3. You will be burning other fuel (this may include wood) on an exempt appliance 

Further information is also available on authorised smokeless fuels and exempt appliances

The following map indicates the location of the smoke control areas in South Staffordshire (in light green). Links to high definition maps of the areas are provided, or via the links below.

You should report the matter to our pollution control team via environmentalprotection@sstaffs.gov.uk alternatively, we have an online form to report pollution here. 

The Clean Air Act 1993 sets out the following offences in relation to smoke control areas: - 

• 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. 

• It is also an offence to 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.