As environmental concerns grow, Cambridge City Council is currently reviewing plans to expand the existing Smoke Control Zone to cover the entire city. If you live in Cambridge, it’s essential to understand what this means for you, especially if you use a fireplace or stove at home.This guide will explain what Smoke Control Zones are, why they exist, and how they affect homeowners who use solid fuel appliances in Cambridge. We’ll also cover how to stay compliant while continuing to enjoy the warmth and charm of your fireplace or stove.
What Are Smoke Control Zones?
To better understand where the current Smoke Control Zones are in Cambridge, refer to the map below:
This map highlights the existing Smoke Control Zone in Cambridge. As of March 2025, Cambridge City Council is considering expanding this area to encompass the entire city.
Smoke Control Zones are areas where regulations restrict the emission of smoke from chimneys to help combat air pollution. These zones were introduced under the Clean Air Act 1993 and are enforced by local councils.
In Cambridge, if you live in a Smoke Control Zone, you cannot emit smoke from your chimney unless you are burning an approved fuel or using an exempt appliance.
Failing to comply with these regulations could result in fines of up to £1,000.
Why Are Smoke Control Zones Being Expanded in Cambridge?
The primary reason for expanding the Smoke Control Zone is to reduce air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5). However, it’s important to note that chimneys are not the only contributor to PM2.5 levels.
Other sources of PM2.5 pollution include:
- Road transport (brake and tyre wear, exhaust fumes)
- Industrial emissions (factories, power plants, and refineries releasing pollutants into the air)
- Agricultural activities (fertiliser application, livestock waste, and crop burning releasing ammonia and particulate matter)
- Construction work (demolition, excavation, and cement mixing generating dust and airborne particles)
- Natural sources like pollen and sea salt
- Other domestic sources (bonfires, BBQs, garden waste burning, and fireworks releasing particulate matter)
While managing emissions from chimneys helps improve air quality, it is just one part of the wider air pollution picture.
Is Air Quality Worse Now Than in the Past?
Contrary to popular belief, the UK currently has some of the cleanest air in modern history. According to DEFRA:
“Air pollution in the UK has reduced significantly since the 1970s, with emissions of major pollutants continuing to decline.” (Source: DEFRA)
Despite these improvements, Cambridge City Council is considering expanding the Smoke Control Zone to further improve air quality and meet national targets.
How Do Smoke Control Zones Affect You in Cambridge?
1. You Do Not Have to Get Rid of Your Fireplace or Stove
Being in a Smoke Control Zone does not mean you have to stop using your fireplace or stove. It simply means that you must burn an authorised fuel or use an exempt appliance.
2. How to Check if Your Stove is Compliant
There are two key ways to stay compliant:
- Use an exempt / DEFRA-approved stove: These stoves are designed to burn wood or coal more efficiently with minimal smoke emissions.
- Burn authorised fuels: If your stove is not exempt, you must burn smokeless fuel instead of wood.
The only people who may need to change their stove are those with a wood-burning-only stove. To check your stove type:
- Wood-burning stoves have a solid base where the fire is built.
- Multi-fuel stoves have a grate with a griddle that allows ash to fall through.
If you have a wood-burning-only stove and live in a Smoke Control Zone, you will need to either:
- Replace it with a multi-fuel stove so you can burn smokeless coal.
- Upgrade to a DEFRA-approved stove so you can continue burning wood or coal.
You can check the list of DEFRA-approved stoves here.
3. You Must Burn Authorised Fuels
If your appliance is not DEFRA-approved, you must use an authorised fuel. These include:
- Anthracite coal
- Semi-anthracite
- Gas
- Manufactured smokeless fuels (e.g., Homefire, Taybrite, Phurnacite)
Burning unauthorised fuels (such as wet wood or traditional house coal) in a Smoke Control Zone is illegal unless using an exempt appliance.
You can check the full list of approved fuels on the DEFRA website.
4. Regular Chimney Maintenance is Essential
Even if you follow the rules, poor chimney maintenance can lead to excess smoke emissions, which may still put you at risk of penalties.
Regular chimney sweeping helps to:
- Improve the efficiency of your stove
- Reduce the risk of chimney fires
- Ensure compliance with Smoke Control Zone regulations
It is recommended to have your chimney swept at least once a year, or more frequently if you use your stove regularly.
What is Cambridge City Council Doing Right Now?
As of March 2025, Cambridge City Council is collecting feedback from residents and businesses on whether the existing Smoke Control Zone should be expanded to cover the entire city. You can read more and participate in the consultation here.
Currently, only certain areas of Cambridge city are in a Smoke Control Zone. However, if the proposal goes ahead, this could change later in the year.
Professional Solutions for Compliance in Cambridge
Ensuring your home heating complies with Smoke Control Zone regulations in Cambridge can be straightforward with the right approach. At Ablewight Chimney Services, we offer a range of professional services to help you stay compliant:
- Chimney Sweeping – Regular maintenance to keep your appliance working efficiently
- Stove Servicing – Inspections and maintenance to ensure compliance
- CCTV Chimney Surveys – Check for blockages and damage
- Creosote Removal – Prevent excess smoke and chimney fires
We provide services across Cambridge and the surrounding villages, helping residents ensure their appliances meet regulations and operate efficiently.
If you use a stove or open fire in a Smoke Control Zone in Cambridge, make sure you’re burning the right fuel, using an approved appliance, and maintaining your chimney regularly.
Trust the Experts in Chimney Safety
With over 40 years of experience and as founders of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, Ablewight Chimney Services is committed to keeping Cambridge homeowners safe and compliant. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone, ensuring proper chimney maintenance is key to staying within the law while continuing to enjoy your stove or fireplace.
Every chimney sweep with Ablewight Chimney Services includes:
- A full safety inspection to protect your home and family
- Insurance-valid certification for peace of mind
- Expert advice on compliant fuels and appliances
- A no-mess guarantee—we leave your home as clean as we found it
- £5 million public liability insurance for added protection
📞 Call us today at 01223 627012 or email hello@ablewight.co.uk to book your professional chimney service.
Don’t take risks with your chimney. Stay compliant, safe, and warm—trust the experts who set the standards in chimney care.
👉 Contact Us Today to schedule your appointment.
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