Smoke control zones

What you can burn in smoke control areas

In a smoke control area you can only burn:

• anthracite
• semi-anthracite
• gas
• low volatile steam coals
• authorised fuels.

Background information on smoke control areas including authorised fuels and appliances can be found on the Defra website.

Barbecues and chimineas

You’re allowed barbecues and chimineas, but if your barbecue lets smoke out through a chimney of a building - like a summerhouse - it’s only allowed if it uses gas or electricity.

Bonfires

We do not operate any special restrictions regarding the lighting of garden bonfires, and whilst, parts of the district have been designated as smoke control areas, this does not apply to garden bonfires. 

Exempt appliances that can burn banned fuels

Some boilers, cookers and stoves are allowed to burn banned fuels, which include:

• wood
• coal
• wood chips and pellets.

There’s a list of exempt appliances on the Defra website.

You’re allowed garden bonfires in smoke control areas but you need to follow the rules on bonfires.