Residents and businesses are invited to share their views on a proposal to expand an existing Smoke Control Area to cover all of Rushcliffe.
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) is considering revoking its existing Smoke Control Order in West Bridgford and Edwalton, and replacing it with a single Smoke Control Order covering the whole of the Borough.
The proposed plan is in line with the Government’s air quality strategy, which seeks to reduce levels of very fine particulates with the aim of further protecting the health of all residents by reducing the amount of smoke released from domestic and commercial chimneys.
In a Smoke Control Area, it’s an offence to emit smoke from a building’s chimney. Correctly seasoned wood, timber or logs should only be burnt in a Defra approved appliance.
Authorised fuels, such as smokeless fuels, must be used in any other appliances that aren’t Defra approved.
Under The Environment Act 2021, anyone liable can face a financial penalty of between £175 and £300 for each occasion smoke is emitted.
Those found to be selling or buying unauthorised fuel for use without an approved appliance in a Smoke Control Area could also face fines of up to £1,000.
Full details of the Government’s proposed changes to Smoke Control Area legislation can be found on the Defra website at www.gov.uk/government/publications/smoke-control-area-enforcement-local-authorities-in-england/smoke-control-area-enforcement-by-local-authorities-in-england.
You have until Tuesday 12th March to submit your views in a public consultation. You can do this online at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/environmental-health/pollution/air-quality/smoke-control-areas/consultation-on-smoke-control-areas/.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “Residents, businesses and stakeholders can have their say on our Smoke Control Area plans, which could cover all of Rushcliffe, in our consultation.
“Quality of life for our residents is a key priority and we want to hear people’s thoughts on these proposals.
“Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK and domestic burning is a major contributor.
“This pollutant has also been identified by the World Health Organization as the most damaging to human health, especially in vulnerable groups of people such as the young, elderly and those with respiratory problems.
“Improving air quality is a vital goal and we’re exploring expanding our existing Smoke Control Area to cover the entire Borough, to help reduce emissions and air pollution from domestic and commercial chimneys.”