Smoke control areas

Smoke control areas relate to the control of smoke from domestic chimneys and burning fuel in fireplaces. Smoke control areas do not relate to bonfires.

What if my property in a smoke control area?

Only approved fireplaces burning authorised fuels declared under the Clean Air Act may be used in buildings or parts of buildings separately occupied.

This means that if you could reasonably install a gas fire i.e. if you have mains gas, you cannot have an open fire in your property.

If you do not have mains gas, you can have an open fire, but it must be an approved fireplace and only burn authorised fuels that are listed in Regulations made under the Clean Air Act 1993.

More information on approved fireplaces and fuel can be found on GOV.UK.

Installing an appliance

Should you wish to install an appliance, it will require Building Regulations approval.

This may be satisfied by using a contractor registered on the HETAS competent person scheme who will register and self-certify the appliance https://www.hetas.co.uk/, or alternatively by submitting an application to the Council’s Building Control department in advance of carrying out the work.

For guidance on building control applications, visit

• Make a building control application or
• Email contactbc@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Check if you live within a smoke control area

• Waltham Abbey smoke control areas (pdf 2MB)
• Loughton smoke control area (pdf 2MB)
• EFDC smoke control areas by road names (pdf 28KB)

Defra approved fuel

We are working towards improving air quality in our district and are seeking food business owner’s who use charcoal grills to use a Defra approved fuel which emits less pollution to air. If your business operates within a smoke control area it is an offence to use charcoal grills inside without using an approved solid fuel.

• Defra authorised and certified fuels for England