Oxford City Council announce citywide smoke control area expansion

Residents in Oxford have recently been receiving letters regarding an expansion to the existing smoke control areas surrounding Oxford. Smoke control area expansions have been discussed by some local authorities lately, but these expansions do not affect new, high-quality, efficient installations. 

We have created a consumer-friendly article to help stove users understand what these new changes mean to them.

What do the letters say? 

The letters describe how existing smoke control areas – currently covering 48% of the city – will be replaced and expanded. This expansion means that, from 1 December 2024, Oxford’s smoke control area will now cover the entire city. 

There is also mention of fixed penalty notices and how these may be issued to those not complying with rules in smoke control areas. Following recent fines, it is important that those burning in smoke control areas are aware of the restrictions and burn safely. 

Air quality

Oxford City Council have announced the expansion in an effort to reduce particulate matter emissions across the city. Inefficient, poorly maintained stoves being used sub-optimally create significantly more pollution than a routinely maintained Cleaner Choice stove that is used optimally.  

Consumer and stakeholder education is essential to continue reducing particulate emission across the UK. The HETAS Advice Hub contains a wide variety of information, ensuring consumers can use their appliances optimally and safely. 

Why are smoke control areas being expanded?

Oxford City Council’s decision comes following a consultation held earlier this year. This consultation found that respondents expressed concerns regarding the impact of this expansion on vulnerable populations and emphasised the importance of effective, ongoing communication campaigns on smoke control issues.  

The consultation results show that 51.92% of respondents were in favour of the citywide expansion, and 42.44% of respondents were not in favour of the smoke control area expansion. This is the result of 442 responses, comprised of 56.66% non-wood burners and 45.83% wood-burner owners.  

Smoke control area reviews allow local authorities to take into account areas that may have previously been sparsely populated but, due to new-build developments, have recently had population increases and become densely populated. Reviews and expansions ensure these areas are not missed out. 

The role of HETAS registrants 

As a HETAS registrant, you may have some customers receiving these letters and asking you for clarification. It is important to stay informed on upcoming changes so you can keep providing trusted advice to your customers, keeping them warming their homes safely. 

Providing suitable operation guidance to homeowners and ensuring a spillage test is completed are two of many ways you can help consumers burn optimally and avoid fines once the smoke control expansion comes into effect. 

Clear information on how stove users can use their appliances in smoke control areas and information on how to burn efficiently and responsibly are essential to helping users operate their stoves efficiently. The HETAS Advice Hub contains shareable guidance that you can utilise to ensure your customers know how to use their wood burners optimally. 

HETAS advise that HETAS registrants provide guidance to any customers with older stoves that are not Defra Exempt, informing them of the potential consequences of using these appliances in smoke control areas.