Oxford’s Smoke Control Area expansion starts

Smoke Control Areas aim to reduce the amount of smoke that is produced from wood burners and open fires, which is the main source of indoor air pollution and harmful particulate pollution in Oxford.

Oxford's first Smoke Control Area was introduced in 1958 - six years after the Great Smog of London, which covered the capital for five days and resulted in some 12,000 deaths.

Last year, the Council announced plans to replace the patchwork of 23 Smoke Control Areas, which covered just 48% of the city, with a single Smoke Control Area covering the whole city. The expansion has been approved by the Secretary of State in May.

What is a Smoke Control Area? 

The legislation means that from 1 December 2024, all homes within Oxford City Council’s administrative boundary lie within Oxford’s expanded Smoke Control Area. 

This means that residents using a wood burner or open fire should ensure: 

• The appliance is included on the list of exempt appliances for use within Smoke Control Areas  
• Or, if the appliance is not exempt, (or they use an open fire) they must use a smokeless fuel should be used (eg anthracite, semi-anthracite, gas, low volatile steam coal), or an authorised fuel   

Smoke Control Areas do not ban the use of chimneys or wood-burning stoves. 

The same rules apply to business premises as to homes. Businesses who sell wood or other solid fuel within Smoke Control Areas must only sell wood to those with an exempt appliance and can only sell authorised fuel to those using wood burning stoves/appliances/open fires. 

Houseboats are not covered by the existing Smoke Control Areas and will not be covered by the expanded area. Outdoor barbecues, chimineas, garden fireplaces and pizza ovens are also not covered by Smoke Control Areas.

Nothing will change for those living in the parts of Oxford that have previously been covered by a Smoke Control Area. 

How is a Smoke Control Area enforced?

After a chimney smoke complaint is received, the Council will initially aim to educate residents on using authorised fuel types and exempt appliances, and how they can be used efficiently. The Council will also work to support households in fuel poverty through grant funding where eligible.  

If the Council then witnesses smoke from the chimney of a domestic or commercial building, it can issue fines of up to £300. Those found to be selling or buying unauthorised fuel for use without an approved appliance in a Smoke Control Area can also face fines of up to £1,000. 

Comment 

"Fine particulate pollution from smoke poses serious health risks, and tackling it is crucial for public health. Until now, Oxford's Smoke Control Areas covered only 48% of the city, leaving gaps in protection. From 1 December, we’re unifying the city under a single Smoke Control Area, ensuring every part of Oxford benefits from improved safeguards against harmful pollution. 

“This expansion targets the reduction of both indoor and outdoor fine particulate emissions by restricting the use of high-polluting and inefficient solid fuels. I am proud that we’re taking this key public health intervention to protect our residents and reduce pollution across the city." 

Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council

More information on Oxford’s Smoke Control Area webpage.