Residents and businesses are being invited to share their views on a proposal to expand York’s existing Smoke Control Area to cover all areas within council boundaries.
In a Smoke Control Area, it is an offence to emit smoke from a chimney of a building. Correctly seasoned wood, timber or logs should only be burnt in a Defra approved appliance and authorised ‘smokeless’ fuels must be used in any other appliances that are not Defra approved.
Most residential areas within York’s outer ring road and Haxby and Wigginton, are already included within York’s Smoke Control Area
The new proposal to expand the area across York will not ban people from burning solid fuel. Instead, it will require all residents and businesses to take responsibility for the fuel they burn – to minimise smoke and air pollution and improve health and wellbeing.
Houseboats are not covered by the existing Smoke Control Areas and are not proposed to be covered by the expanded area. Garden bonfires, outdoor barbecues, chimineas and firepits are also not covered by Smoke Control Area rules.
The Council has previously consulted on measures to improve local air quality and reduce the impact of burning solid fuels such as wood (AQAP4). Burning of wood contributes to a type of pollution called fine particulate matter (PM2.5) both inside and outside the home. Around a third of PM2.5 emissions in York are caused by burning wood for heating.
Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said:
Everyone can be affected by air pollution, but children, older people and those with heart and lung conditions are especially at risk.
“We are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the local community and improving local air quality is one way in which we are working to achieve this".
Cllr Steels-Walshaw, Executive Member for Public Health, said:
Emissions of fine particulate matter present in smoke are particularly harmful to health as their size means they can get deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream to be transported around the body.
"Expanding the Smoke Control Area will provide cleaner air for all and provide a level playing field across the city".
Any complaints of chimney smoke will be investigated in line with the Council’s current enforcement policy, which initially requires the Council to provide advice on the use of suitable appliances and fuels. Residents struggling with the cost of heating will be signposted to advice on accessing financial and practical help on heating their homes.
Following advice, Council officers can issue penalties of up to £300 where they witness the emission of smoke from a chimney in a Smoke Control Area. Those found to be selling or buying unauthorised fuel for use in an appliance that’s not approved by Defra can also face fines of up to £1,000.
Stakeholders have until 3 June to submit their views on the proposals
- Rules for Smoke Control Areas
- York’s current smoke control area can be viewed here
- The online list of authorised fuels is maintained by DEFRA and is available here
- The list of exempt appliances is available here
- The rules for selling wood for domestic use in England are outlined here