Smoke Control Area comes into force across all of Oxford

Smoke Control Areas aim to reduce the amount of smoke that is produced from wood burners and open fires.

The council announced plans last year to replace the patchwork of 23 Smoke Control Areas, which covered 48 per cent of the city, with a single Smoke Control Area covering the whole city.

This means from Sunday, December 1, all homes within Oxford City Council’s administrative boundary will lie within Oxford’s expanded Smoke Control Area.

Under this legislation, residents using a wood burner or open fire must ensure their appliance is on the list of exempt appliances for use within Smoke Control Areas.

If the appliance is not exempt, or they use an open fire, they must use a smokeless fuel such as anthracite, semi-anthracite, gas, or low volatile steam coal.

The same rules apply to business premises as to homes.

If smoke is witnessed from the chimney of a domestic or commercial building, fines of up to £300 can be issued.

Businesses which 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, or open fires.

Those found to be selling or buying unauthorised fuel for use without an approved appliance in a Smoke Control Area can face fines of up to £1,000.

Councillor Anna Railton, deputy leader and cabinet member for zero carbon Oxford, said: "Fine particulate pollution from smoke poses serious health risks, and tackling it is crucial for public health.

Oxford city councillor Anna Railton (Image: Oxford City Council) "Until now, Oxford's Smoke Control Areas covered only 48 per cent of the city, leaving gaps in protection.

"From December 1, 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."

Houseboats and outdoor barbecues, chimineas, garden fireplaces, and pizza ovens are not covered by the Smoke Control Areas.

For those living in parts of Oxford previously covered by a Smoke Control Area, nothing will change.

When the council receives a complaint about chimney smoke, it will initially aim to educate residents on using authorised fuel types and exempt appliances, and how they can be used efficiently.

It said it will also work to support households in fuel poverty through grant funding where eligible.