Smoke control areas and guidance on domestic fires and wood burning
Although there are no smoke control areas in Hart, the Council does encourage good practice is adhered to when using open fires and wood-burning appliances. Open fires and wood-burning appliances are a source of air pollution. The public can help reduce poor air quality when using these appliances by:
- regularly maintaining and servicing your stove
- regularly sweeping chimneys
- burning seasoned wood (including “ready to burn”)
- not burning treated waste wood or household rubbish.
- considering buying a stove that has been approved for use in smoke-control areas by Defra or “Ecodesign Ready” stove.
More information (including smoke-control areas legislation) can be found at the following:
- Open fires and wood-burning stoves - a practical guide (defra.gov.uk)
- Ready to Burn Scheme - Woodsure
- Fuels - Defra, UK
- Appliances - Defra, UK
- Burnright - Working together for cleaner air in the UK
- Burn Better, Breathe Better: Reduce the negative impact your stove or open fire can have on your health - Defra, UK
Domestic heating and air pollution
Heating systems for homes and other buildings can be a source of air pollution. For example, the combustion of fuels (e.g. coal, gas or wood) results in emissions of pollutants to air. The emissions to air from domestic heating can be reduced by:
- insulating your home efficiently and be energy efficient
- using electric heating powered by non-combustion forms of renewable energy.
More information on this and links to other resources are available on Defra's air information resource website
Transport emissions
A key source of localised air pollution is road traffic. The public may help improve air quality in the district by:
- using alternative modes of transport such as public transport or active travel where possible
- car sharing if possible
- using low-emission vehicles such as electric or hybrid cars
- avoiding driving during peak hours to ease congestion
- avoiding idling engines.