Smoke Control Areas

Under the Clean Air Act Local Authorities can designate smoke control areas (SCAs).

Within these areas it is an offence to emit a substantial amount of smoke from a chimney of a building, from a furnace or from any fixed boiler. It is also an offence to acquire “unauthorised fuel” for use within a smoke control area unless it is used in an “exempt” appliance (“exempted” from the controls which generally apply in the smoke control area).

When evidence that smoke has been emitted from a chimney has been gathered, a financial penalty of between £175 and £300 will be issued. A financial penalty can be issued for each individual offence.

Smoke Control Areas in Reading

Reading Borough Council ran a public consultation on introducing a boroughwide SCA between 4 September and 16 October 2023. Following the consultation process, the government approved the boroughwide SCA, which comes into force on 1 December 2024.

The boroughwide SCA replaces 21 longstanding SCAs covering approximately 62% of Reading. An interactive map is available on the Defra website allowing you to search for specific addresses to see if you are within a smoke control area. You can also access a list of Reading streets that are currently covered by SCAs.

Map of Smoke Control Areas in Reading from 1 December 2024

Why does Reading need to be a Smoke Control Area?

Burning wood and coal releases harmful particles into the air, which are dangerous to health. These tiny, invisible particles can affect every organ in the body and increase the risk of serious illnesses such as lung disease, heart disease, and even cancer. Children are especially vulnerable, as exposure can stunt lung growth and affect their development. 

Smoke Control Areas help reduce this harmful pollution by managing the use of solid fuel appliances, such as wood stoves, which are a major source of these emissions. 

What you can burn if you live inside a SCA

For residents

In a smoke control area you can only burn fuel on the list of authorised fuels, or any of the following ‘smokeless’ fuels, unless you’re using a Defra approved appliance:

  • anthracite
  • semi-anthracite
  • gas
  • low volatile steam coal

Unauthorised fuels, such as wood must be properly seasoned, and can only be burned in exempt appliances. When purchasing wood, look for the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo as a guarantee of good quality dry wood.

You must only use the types of fuel that the manufacturer says can be used in the appliance.

Inside a SCA, you can still use outdoor barbecues, chimineas, garden fireplaces or pizza ovens, as long as these appliances do not release smoke through a chimney of a building – for example a summerhouse, otherwise they will only be able to burn authorised fuel or must be exempt.

You are allowed garden bonfires in SCAs, as long as you follow the rules on bonfires described on our Bonfires Page.

For businesses

If your business is located inside a Smoke Control Area, then you must follow the Smoke Control Area rules.

If you are a fuel manufacturer, importer or distributor selling fuel for domestic use in England, you need to follow rules which came into force in May 2021 to sell fuels legally. 

More information on selling fuel in a Smoke Control Area is available on DEFRA’s website. 

Amendments to SCA enforcement under the Environment Act 2021

  • Financial penalties to those who emit substantial amounts of smoke from their chimney inside a SCA can be issued. The financial penalties range from a minimum of £175 to a maximum of £300
  • Abatement notices can be issued for smoke emissions that are harmful to human health or a nuisance in a SCA

More detailed information about the complete changes to SCA legislation can be found on the DEFRA website.

The current maximum level of fine for burning unauthorised fuel or using a non-exempt appliance within a SCA is of £1,000 for each offence, upon conviction.

Legislation that applies to those who live outside a SCA

If you live outside a SCA, you are covered by the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990. Under this act, any smoke emitted from a domestic chimney can be deemed a statutory nuisance if it is prejudicial to health or causing a nuisance.

For the smoke to count as a statutory nuisance it must do one of the following:

  • unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises
  • injure health or be likely to injure health.

Report a problem

If you think there is an infringement of SCA legislation in our local area, you can report the problem to us at: environment.protectionteam@reading.gov.uk.

Advice on SCA authorised appliances and fuel, and how to burn fuel efficiently

Good practice

  • Consider burning less – Think about why you are lighting your fire as well as how much fuel you use. Is it necessary?
  • Buy ‘Ready to Burn’ fuel – If you want to burn look for the logo as a guarantee of good quality dry wood.
  • Season freshly chopped wood before burning. Wet or unseasoned wood, often sold in nets, is cheaper to buy, but it needs to be seasoned (dried) to less than 20% water before burning. Wet wood contains moisture which impairs efficient burning, creating smoke and the release of harmful particulates when burned. This can damage your stove and chimney. It also means you’re losing out on heat for your home.
  • Do not burn treated waste wood (e.g. old furniture, pallets or fence panels) or household rubbish. Treated waste wood, furniture and household waste can emit harmful fumes and toxic pollutants, such are carbon monoxide, arsenic, hydrogen chloride and cyanide, into your home when burnt.
  • Regularly maintain and service your stove. This means it will work better and will generate more heat from what you burn. Always operate your stove in line with the manufacturer’s guidance and only burn permitted fuels.
  • Get your chimney swept regularly (up to twice a year) – During use soot and tar build up in the chimney reducing the efficiency and increasing the risk of chimney fires. It is better to use a qualified chimney sweep who will be able to advise you on good burning practices for your open fire or stove.
Last updated on 05/11/2024