Smoke Control Zones: The Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Your Chimney
Living in a smoke control zone doesn’t mean you have to give up the comfort and ambiance of your fireplace
Cambridge Smoke Control Area 2025: Can You Still Use Your Fire? | Free Guide
Founded in 1980, Ablewight Chimney Services has shaped the standards of chimney sweeping across the UK. From writing the City & Guilds qualification to establishing the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, we don’t just meet industry standards – we created them
Cambridge's New City-Wide Smoke Control Area is Coming
Cambridge City Council approved expanding the Smoke Control Area to cover the entire city on 24th June 2025. If you have a fireplace, stove, or woodburner in Cambridge, you need to know how this affects you.
Implementation begins in approximately 6 months – but you don’t need to panic. You CAN still use your fire – you just need to understand the new rules.
Get Your FREE Complete Guide
Our comprehensive guide reveals everything Cambridge residents need to know about the new Smoke Control Area regulations and how to stay compliant.
What Will Change in Cambridge?
The new regulations will affect all 14 Cambridge wards including Abbey, Arbury, Castle, Cherry Hinton, Coleridge, East Chesterton, King’s Hedges, Market, Newnham, Petersfield, Queen Edith’s, Romsey, Trumpington, and West Chesterton.
But here’s what you need to know: Different types of fires have different rules, and your compliance options depend on what you currently have.
The Big Question: Can You Still Use Your Fire?
The answer depends on what type of fire you have and what you’re prepared to do to stay compliant:
- Open fireplaces – specific fuel requirements apply
- DEFRA-approved stoves – you may be able to continue as normal
- Non-DEFRA approved stoves – you have several options to choose from
Our guide reveals exactly what applies to your situation and what your options are.
What You'll Discover in Your Free Guide
Find Out What You Can Legally Burn
- Which fuels are approved for each type of appliance
- How to identify compliant products and suppliers
- What’s prohibited under the new rules
- Special exceptions you need to know about
Check Your Current Setup's Compliance Status
- Step-by-step process to determine if your stove is DEFRA approved
- What to look for on your appliance and documentation
- How to use the official DEFRA database
- What to do if you can’t identify your stove model
Understand Your Options
- Detailed breakdown of compliance choices for every situation
- When fuel switching is sufficient vs. when equipment changes are needed
- Professional modification and upgrade options
Get Local Cambridge-Specific Information
- Implementation timeline and key dates for Cambridge
- How Cambridge City Council plans to enforce the rules
- Which areas are currently covered vs. newly included
- What’s specifically exempt from the regulations
Learn Cleaner Burning Techniques
- How to reduce emissions with any compliant setup
- Maintenance tips that improve efficiency and compliance
- Common mistakes that create unnecessary smoke
- Professional techniques for optimal performance
Access Professional Resources
- Vetted local suppliers for approved fuels
- Trusted installer recommendations
- Professional service contacts
- Ongoing support resources
Why This Information is Critical for Cambridge Residents
Implementation is Coming in January 2026
With implementation expected around January 2026, now is the perfect time to understand your options and plan any necessary changes.
Compliance is Mandatory
Once implemented, using non-compliant fuels or appliances will be an offence under the Clean Air Act 1993.
You Have Choices
Despite what you may have heard, you’re not being forced to stop using your fire – but you do need to understand what’s required for your specific situation.
Planning Saves Money
Understanding your options now allows you to make cost-effective decisions rather than rushing into expensive solutions later.
Don't Wait - Get Prepared Now
Download Your Complete Cambridge Smoke Control Area Guide
Everything you need to navigate Cambridge’s new regulations:
✅ Complete compliance roadmap for every type of fire
✅ Local supplier directory with contact details
✅ Professional service recommendations from trusted contacts
✅ Cost-effective solution strategies for every budget
✅ Cambridge-specific timeline and implementation details
✅ Comprehensive FAQ covering all common concerns
Cambridge residents who prepare early will continue enjoying their fires with:
✅ Full confidence they’re doing everything correctly
✅ The best fuel and equipment options available
✅ Continued warmth and comfort in their homes
✅ Peace of mind about compliance
About Ablewight Chimney Services
Established in Cambridge in 1980, we’ve been helping local residents with their chimneys and fires for over 40 years. As founders of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps and authors of the City & Guilds Chimney Sweeping Qualification, we understand both the technical requirements and the practical realities of keeping your fire burning safely and legally.
Contact us for support:
- Phone: 01223 627012
- Email: hello@ablewight.co.uk
Disclaimer: This information is based on Cambridge City Council’s approved decision from 24th June 2025 and current Smoke Control Area regulations available at the time of publication. We will update this guide as additional implementation details are released by the council. For the most current official information, please refer to Cambridge City Council’s website at cambridge.gov.uk/smoke-pollution.
Feedback from our clients
Excellent service. Easy process to book and communications were helpful and precise. On the day the employee was friendly and professional and very happy with the outcome of our clean and service. Will use again.
Chelsea Zwetsloot
October 2, 2025
Ablewight is a great and experienced chimneysweep business. Lisa manages appointments beautifully and its chimneysweeps are the best: knowledgeable, clean and trustworthy. July discounts benefit many.
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October 2, 2025
Very professional and friendly service. Arrived on time and was cheerful and followed COVID procedures. Gave me confidence in the service provided.
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October 1, 2025
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September 30, 2025
I can only add my voice to the many positive reviews here. This was my first experience with Ablewight, and James was efficient, polite, clean, helpful. Everything you could want. The pre-visit email was also great. Really clear, setting expectations usefully. I'll be back!
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September 30, 2025
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September 25, 2025
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