Solid Fuel Combustion (Inc. Dark Smoke & Domestic Appliances)
Dark Smoke
Under the Clean Air Act 1993, the emission of dark smoke from industrial or trade premises is prohibited, subject to some exemptions.
If you witness dark or black smoke coming from industrial or trade premises, you should contact us immediately. If possible, an Officer will visit the site to witness the offence and take the appropriate action.
If you're suffering a nuisance from smoke from a domestic property, or non-dark smoke from an industrial or trade premises, please instead fill out our Statutory Nuisance form.
Domestic Burning
Currently there are no Smoke Control Zones within the Winchester district.
The use of domestic open fires and wood-burning stoves has risen in popularity over recent years and has, alongside domestic coal burning, become a significant contributor to air pollution in the UK, particularly through the emission of tiny particles found in smoke.
These particles, known as fine particulate matter, can cause a range of health issues, including breathing problems, exacerbating asthma and more, with vulnerable groups such as young people, older individuals and pregnant individuals
How you can help
If you burn wood at home and are keen to help reduce the emissions it produces, there are some things you can do.
- If you're buying a new stove, look out for the Ecodesign Ready mark, which shows that the stove has been tested to high emissions standards. These Ecodesign Ready stoves are the most environmentally friendly stoves available today.
- Use Ready to Burn branded wood fuel, or better. The Ready to Burn mark indicates that you're buying goodquality, dry wood, which significantly reduces the emissions produced.
For more detailed advice, you can read Burnright's We all breathe the same air guidance, which includes clear advice on how to light a stove to minimise smoke emissions.