Cambridge is introducing a citywide Smoke Control Area. If you have an open fire or stove, this page explains what is changing, whether you are affected yet, and what you need to do.
CURRENT CAMBRIDGE STATUS
Citywide Smoke Control Area: Not Yet in Force
Cambridge currently has three existing Smoke Control Areas. These remain in force until the new citywide Smoke Control Area comes into effect.
What's changing? Cambridge City Council plans to replace the existing areas with a single Smoke Control Area covering Cambridge citywide.
Cambridge City Council has not yet announced a confirmed implementation date. Based on the legal implementation timeframes published by the council, the citywide area is expected to come into force in late 2026 or early 2027.
YOUR FIREPLACE OR STOVE
What Does the Cambridge Smoke Control Area Mean for My Home?
The answer depends mainly on what type of fireplace or stove you have. Start with the option that applies to your home.
Do I Need to Do Anything Now?
Outside an existing Smoke Control Area?
You do not need to stop using your fireplace or stove simply because a citywide Smoke Control Area is planned.
Have a stove?
Find the make and model. Check whether it is an exempt appliance and which fuels it is designed to burn.
Have an open fire?
You can continue using it, but once Smoke Control Area rules apply to your home, the fuel you burn will matter.
FUEL RULES
What Can You Burn in a Smoke Control Area?
There are two main routes under Smoke Control Area rules:
Authorised Fuel
Authorised fuel can be burned under Smoke Control Area rules. Some inherently smokeless fuels can also be used without applying for fuel authorisation.
Unauthorised Fuel, Such as Wood
This requires an exempt appliance that is permitted to burn that particular fuel, used in accordance with its conditions.
HOW WE GOT HERE
Cambridge Smoke Control Area Timeline
Cambridge's move towards a citywide Smoke Control Area has developed over several stages.
January–April 2025
Cambridge City Council consulted on proposals to extend Smoke Control Area coverage across the city.
24 June 2025
The council approved proceeding with a citywide Smoke Control Area.
20 October–19 December 2025
Consultation took place on revoking Cambridge's three existing Smoke Control Areas.
7 May 2026
The Secretary of State gave approval to proceed with the revocation process.
1 June–10 July 2026
Consultation took place on the proposed citywide Smoke Control Area.
Current position
The existing three Smoke Control Areas remain in force. Cambridge City Council has not yet announced a confirmed start date; based on the published legal implementation timeframes, the citywide area is expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
QUICK FACTS
Smoke Control Area Rules at a Glance
What Is a Smoke Control Area?
An area where there are legal restrictions on smoke from chimneys and on the fuels that can be used.
Up to £300
Smoke From a Chimney
A financial penalty may apply if smoke is emitted from a chimney in a Smoke Control Area.
Up to £1,000
Unauthorised Fuel
A fine can apply for buying unauthorised fuel to use in an appliance that is not an exempt appliance.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Cambridge Smoke Control Area FAQs
Is all of Cambridge a Smoke Control Area?
Not yet. Cambridge currently has three existing Smoke Control Areas. A new citywide Smoke Control Area is being introduced, but it has not yet come into effect.
When will the new Cambridge Smoke Control Area start?
Cambridge City Council has not yet announced an implementation date. The existing Smoke Control Areas will remain in place until the citywide order comes into effect.
Will I still be able to use my wood-burning stove?
That depends on the appliance and the fuel. If you want to burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, the stove must be an exempt appliance permitted to burn wood and it must be used in accordance with the conditions of its exemption and the manufacturer's instructions.
Can I still use an open fireplace in Cambridge?
Yes. An open fireplace does not automatically become unusable in a Smoke Control Area, but once the rules apply to your home you will need to use fuel permitted for use in a Smoke Control Area rather than ordinary logs.