Smoke from chimneys in a smoke control area
The whole of Wakefield District Council district is a Smoke Control Area (Smokeless zone) and under the Clean Air Act 1993 it is an offence to emit smoke from a chimney in our area. This includes any chimneys or flues on houses or businesses but does not apply to smoke from bonfires (please see the 'Smoke from garden bonfires' section).
If you use an open fireplace in your home you must burn a smokeless fuel. Wooden sticks can be used for lighting up but if you want to burn wood or other fuels that emit smoke you must burn it on an appliance designed to burn the fuel without emitting smoke. Visit the Defra website (see 'Related Links') for a list of smokeless fuels and exempt appliances that can be used in a Smoke Control Area. Many modern wood burning stoves are not on the list as an exempt appliance as they cannot burn smokelessly.
To install a new stove you may require Building Regulations approval or use a registered HETAS approved installer.
To find out more about smokeless solid fuels, approved coal merchants, and approved heating appliances you may wish to visit the Solid Fuel Association website (see 'Related Links') or telephone them on 0845 6014406.
If smoke is emitted from your chimney the Council may take legal action against you under the Clean Air Act 1993. This could mean a fine of up to £1000 for each offence witnessed.
