Smoke Control Areas in Kent

What is a Smoke Control Area?

A smoke control area is a designated zone where UK law restricts the emission of smoke from chimneys. These areas were created under the Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution and protect public health.

In a smoke control area, it is illegal to emit smoke from a chimney unless you either:

• Burn only authorised fuels, OR
• Use an exempt appliance (DEFRA-approved stove/fireplace)

Smoke Control Areas in Kent

Several areas across Kent are designated smoke control areas, including parts of:

• Medway - Various zones across the Medway towns
• Gravesham - Including areas of Gravesend and Northfleet
• Dartford - Certain residential areas
• Canterbury - Parts of Canterbury city and surrounding areas

Important: Smoke control areas are defined by specific streets and postcodes, not entire towns. Your street might be in a smoke control area even if neighbouring streets are not.

How to Check If You're in a Smoke Control Area

To find out if your property is in a smoke control area:

1. Visit the GOV.UK smoke control area checker: gov.uk/smoke-control-area-rules
2. Enter your postcode or address
3. The interactive map shows designated areas
4. Or contact your local council environmental health department

Authorised Fuels

In smoke control areas, you can only burn fuels that appear on the government's list of authorised fuels. These include:

• Smokeless coal (anthracite, manufactured smokeless fuels)
• Authorised manufactured fuels (check the official list)
• Gas (natural gas, LPG)
• Electricity

Fuels You CANNOT Burn in Smoke Control Areas

Unless you have an exempt appliance, you cannot burn:

• Wood (logs, timber, wood chips)
• Bituminous coal (house coal)
• Wet or unseasoned wood
• Most traditional solid fuels

Exempt Appliances (DEFRA-Approved Stoves)

An "exempt appliance" is a stove, fireplace, or boiler that has been approved by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) for use in smoke control areas. These appliances are designed to burn fuel with minimal smoke emission.

What Makes an Appliance Exempt?

• Tested and approved by DEFRA
• Burns fuel efficiently with very low smoke output
• Appears on the official DEFRA exempt appliances list
• Allows you to burn wood and other fuels legally in smoke control areas

Can I Burn Wood in a Smoke Control Area?

Yes, but only in a DEFRA-approved exempt appliance. If you have a DEFRA-approved wood burner, you can legally burn dry, seasoned wood even in a smoke control area.

No, not in a traditional open fireplace or non-exempt stove. Open fires are almost never exempt, so you'd need to burn only authorised smokeless fuels.

How to Check If Your Stove is Exempt

1. Check the manufacturer's documentation that came with your stove
2. Look for "DEFRA approved" or "exempt appliance" markings
3. Search the official DEFRA list: smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk
4. Contact the manufacturer with your stove model number

The Rules in Practice

Scenario 1: Traditional Open Fireplace in Smoke Control Area

You can: Burn authorised smokeless fuels only

You cannot: Burn wood, house coal, or any fuel that produces smoke

Scenario 2: DEFRA-Approved Wood Burner in Smoke Control Area

You can: Burn dry, seasoned wood and smokeless fuels

You cannot: Burn wet wood, treated wood, or household waste

Scenario 3: Non-Exempt Stove in Smoke Control Area

You can: Burn only authorised smokeless fuels (same as open fire)

You cannot: Burn wood unless you replace the stove with a DEFRA-approved model

Enforcement and Penalties

Local councils enforce smoke control area rules. If you emit smoke illegally:

• Neighbours can report you to the council
• Council environmental health officers can investigate
• You may receive a warning or notice to stop
• Continued breaches can result in prosecution
• Maximum fine: £1,000

Why Smoke Control Areas Exist

Smoke control areas were created to:

• Reduce air pollution in densely populated areas
• Protect public health (smoke contains harmful particles and chemicals)
• Improve air quality for residents, especially those with respiratory conditions
• Reduce the "smog" effect from multiple properties burning smoky fuels

Chimney Sweeping in Smoke Control Areas

Smoke control area rules don't change chimney sweeping requirements. You still need:

• Annual professional sweeping for insurance purposes
• Regular cleaning regardless of fuel type
• Professional certificates for your records

In fact, proper chimney maintenance is even more important in smoke control areas because:

• A poorly maintained chimney produces more smoke
• Blockages or poor draw can cause smoke emission (breaking the rules)
• Clean chimneys burn fuel more efficiently with less smoke

Buying Property in a Smoke Control Area

If you're buying a property in a smoke control area with a fireplace or stove:

• Check if the existing appliance is DEFRA-approved
• Ask what fuel the previous owners burned
• Budget for a new DEFRA-approved stove if needed (£500-£2,000+)
• Factor in limited fuel options if keeping a traditional open fire
• Consider having a CCTV chimney inspection before purchase

Common Questions

Can I use my fireplace occasionally in a smoke control area?

Yes, but you must still follow the rules. Even occasional use must comply - burn only authorised fuels unless you have an exempt appliance.

What about BBQs and outdoor fires?

Smoke control area rules generally apply to chimneys and fixed appliances, not garden BBQs or bonfires. However, excessive smoke from ANY source can be investigated as a nuisance.

Can rules change?

Yes. Local authorities can designate new smoke control areas or remove existing ones. Check the current status with your council.

Summary

• ✅ Parts of Kent have smoke control areas (check your postcode on GOV.UK)
• ✅ You can only burn authorised fuels OR use a DEFRA-approved appliance
• ✅ Traditional open fires can only burn smokeless fuel in smoke control areas
• ✅ DEFRA-approved stoves can burn wood in smoke control areas
• ✅ Breaking rules can result in £1,000 fines
• ✅ Regular chimney sweeping helps you comply and burn efficiently
• ✅ Check appliance exemption status before buying or using