Consultation on proposed replacement of Smoke Control Orders

Between 1960 and 1982, the Council made 21 smoke control orders, which in turn create smoke control areas, covering the majority of the Borough.

The aim of a smoke control area is to improve local air quality, by limiting the amount of smoke which can be emitted from chimneys (both domestic and industrial).   Where smoke is emitted from a chimney in a smoke control area, the Council can issue a financial penalty of between £175 and £300 to the responsible person.

The Council intends to revoke the original 21 smoke control orders and issue a revised order, to cover the entire District. This will make enforcement of the requirements more straightforward.

The Council also proposes to bring moored vessels (i.e. canal boats) into the scope of the new smoke control order. This means that it would be unlawful for moored canal boats to emit smoke, and owners / occupiers could be subject to receiving a financial penalty. There is an exemption for smoke which is created to propel the vessel or to generate electricity but there is no exemption for heating.  Wood, timber or logs will need to be used in a DEFRA approved stove (Opens in a new window) or smokeless fuel should be used.

Councillor Helen Skinner, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change said: “This is good news for Broxtowe and will help us protect air quality in the Borough and the wider environment.  The proposal also supports our aim of reducing carbon emissions to help tackle climate change. We encourage our residents to be responsible when burning fuel and these proposals will give us the tools to tackle those whose smoke has an unacceptable impact on others.”

The Council invites the public to express their views on the proposed changes by completing the online consultation form (Opens in a new window).

Alternatively, you can respond by email and state yes in support/no do not support the proposed changes to health@broxtowe.gov.uk, or in writing to Environmental Health, Broxtowe Borough Council, Council Offices, Foster Avenue, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1AB. Please mark letters or use the email subject heading ‘Objection to revision to Smoke Control Orders’.

Comments should be received by the Council by 7 August 2023.

The areas covered by existing smoke control orders can be inspected free of charge at the Council offices during normal office hours. Alternatively please contact health@broxtowe.gov.uk to request a copy.

You can view a copy of the draft smoke control order(.pdf)(200KB)(Opens in a New Window) and the areas currently covered.