Smoke Control Areas
The Clean Air Act 1993 introduced controls for domestic and industrial smoke that gave local authorities the powers to create smoke control areas. Smoke control areas were introduced to control levels of smoke and sulphur dioxide from domestic chimneys, furnaces and fixed boilers by prohibiting the burning of fuels such as coal and wood on open fires so that visible smoke is not persistantly emitted from the chimney.
The majority of the Walsall Borough falls within smoke control areas, with a few exceptions – certain properties within smoke control areas and areas near Walsall town centre and Brownhills. The hatched areas in green in the smoke control areas map (PDF 172KB) are not in smoke control areas. If you are uncertain whether you fall within a smoke control area then please contact us.
Within smoke control areas it is an offence to burn any fuel in a fireplace – domestic or otherwise – unless it is an authorised smokeless fuel or you are using an exempted appliance, which is approved to burn that fuel. This applies to any stove or appliance that is vented by a chimney so it includes greenhouse stoves and heaters. New properties built within Smoke Control Areas are also covered by this legal requirement.
Authorised smokeless fuels
Authorised smokeless fuels for open fires or unauthorised appliances in Smoke Control Areas include Anthracite, Sunbrite, Coalite and Homefire and details of them and their proper use should be available from all reputable coal merchants. These fuels have passed tests to confirm that they are capable of burning in an open fireplace without producing smoke and emiting very low quantities of sulphur and 'particles' when burned. Coal and wood are not authorised fuels and should not be burnt on such fires.
Exempted appliances
Some exempted appliances are designed for home heating, others such as small incinerators and boilers are used in industrial or commercial premises for burning specified materials, including particular types of waste material.
Exempted appliances have to pass tests to confirm that they are capable of burning an unauthorised or inherently smoky solid fuel without emitting smoke, and on passing they are exempted by Order for general use in smoke control areas. It should be noted that an exempted appliance will have details of suitable materials and conditions which apply to the exemption. The appliance should be used as specified by the manufacturer and the manufacturer's recommendations must be followed.
Details of of authorised smokeless fuels and exempt appliances can be found at the UK Smoke Control Areas.
Where appropriate the council will take court action against persons or companies found to be committing an offence and they can be fined up to £1,000 if found guilty.
For more information about smoke control areas please contact us using the details below.
Contact us
Pollution Control
Engineering and Transportation Services
Walsall Council
2nd floor, Civic Centre
Darwall Street
Walsall
WS1 1DG
Telephone 01922 653348
Fax 01922 623234
Email pollutioncontrol@walsall.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 19 June 2009