Smoke Control Order 2025

Overview

The Whole of Birmingham is a Smoke Control Area, designated under the provisions of the Clean Air Act 1983 to improve air quality. As a result of this, residents are only allowed to burn authorised fuels in an open fireplace or an exempt appliance. Burning coal is not permitted in Birmingham. More information about Smoke Control Areas can be found at https://www.gov.uk/smoke-control-area-rules.

Under the Environment Act 2021, additional controls were put in place to ensure the proper use of:

• open fireplaces
• wood-burning fireplaces (wood burners)
• other similar domestic appliances

As a result of these changes it is necessary to revoke the previous Smoke Control Orders and make a new Smoke Control Order, which will also extend the provisions of the Clean Air Act to moored vessels (canal barges), as well as dwelling houses. For the majority of Birmingham residents there will be no change. We are required to consult with the public before making the new order.

The Notice, Draft Order, and a map showing the extent of the Smoke Control Area can be found at the bottom of this page. 

If you wish to object to the confirmation of the proposed Smoke Control Order you should inform the Department of the Environment food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) by emailing Air.Quality@defra.gov.uk or by writing to Air Quality and Industrial Emissions, Defra, Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF.