Smoke Control Areas

In this section, you will find further information relating to Smoke Control Areas

Some parts of the district have been designated as smoke control areas. Residents and businesses in these areas are restricted as to the types of solid fuels that can be burnt in their properties and limits the amount of smoke that can be emitted from a chimney. 

South Staffordshire Council, and the preceding local authorities, Seisdon Rural District Council and Sedgley Urban District Council, made a number of orders which are still in force in the parishes of Wombourne, Perton, and Himley.

For more information, please contact: environmentalprotection@sstaffs.gov.uk 

What does living in a smoke control area mean for me?

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

Am I in a smoke Control Area?

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.

What happens if you see smoke coming from a chimney?

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.

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