Smoke Control Area Consultation

What is a Smoke Control Area?

Under the Clean Air Act 1993, local authorities can designate Smoke Control Areas to help reduce air pollution and improve air quality. Within these areas, it is an offence to:

• Emit substantial smoke from a chimney
• Purchase or sell unauthorised fuel for use in a Smoke Control Area, unless it is used in an exempt appliance

Unauthorised fuel refers to any fuel not listed on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) authorised or certified fuels list. For example, wood may only be burned within a Smoke Control Area if used in an approved exempt appliance.

An exempt appliance is a stove or similar device that has been tested and approved by Defra for use in Smoke Control Areas due to its low emissions performance.

Further information on exempt appliances is available on the Defra website.

About the Consultation

This consultation aims to gather views from residents, businesses, landowners, and anyone who lives, works, studies in, or visits the area.

The survey provides an opportunity to share your views on potential changes to Smoke Control Areas and help inform future decisions relating to air quality and environmental health.

Paper copies of the survey are also available at:

• Moorlands House, Leek
• Blythe Bridge Library
• Cheadle Library
• Werrington Library
• Biddulph Library

Have Your Say

You can take part in the consultation here:

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council Smoke Control Area Public Consultation – Fill in form

Closing Date

This consultation closes on Thursday 13th August 2026.

What Happens Next?

All responses will be reviewed and used to inform recommendations on any proposed changes. If changes are progressed, a further consultation will be carried out.

This consultation is being led by the Environmental Health team.