Natural Anthracite in Cambridge: Is It Approved?

Name: Ablewight Chimney Services
Address: The Officer's Mess, Royston Road, Duxford, St Neots, PE19, UK
Telephone: 01223 627012

If you’re checking whether natural anthracite is an approved fuel in Cambridge, here’s the current position: there is no Smoke Control Area in force anywhere in Cambridge right now. The previous, smaller Smoke Control Area was revoked to allow the new citywide area to be introduced, and that citywide area isn’t in force yet — so fuel choice, including anthracite, isn’t currently restricted by this scheme. That will change once the citywide Smoke Control Area takes effect, expected by the end of 2026, when only authorised smokeless fuels or DEFRA-approved appliances will be permitted — and not every anthracite product on the market will qualify automatically.

This guide explains what’s expected to count as an authorised fuel under the incoming citywide rules, where anthracite fits in, and how to get ahead of the change before it takes effect.

Is Anthracite an Approved Fuel in Cambridge?

Source: DEFRA Smoke Control Area Map — *Source:* *DEFRA Smoke Control Area Map*

To better understand where the current Smoke Control Areas are in Cambridge, refer to the map below:

This map highlights the existing Smoke Control Area in Cambridge. As of March 2025, Cambridge City Council is considering expanding this area to encompass the entire city.

Smoke Control Areas are areas where regulations restrict the emission of smoke from chimneys to help combat air pollution. These areas were introduced under the Clean Air Act 1993 and are enforced by local councils.

In Cambridge, if you live in a Smoke Control Area, 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 Areas Being Expanded in Cambridge?

The primary reason for expanding the Smoke Control Area 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 Area to further improve air quality and meet national targets.

How Do Smoke Control Areas Affect You in Cambridge?

1. You Do Not Have to Get Rid of Your Fireplace or Stove

Being in a Smoke Control Area 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 Area, 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 Area 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 Area 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 Area 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 Area. 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 Area 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 Area in Cambridge, make sure you’re burning the right fuel, using an approved appliance, and maintaining your chimney regularly.

For a full breakdown of every authorised fuel and appliance option across Cambridge, see our complete Cambridge Smoke Control Area guide.

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 Area, 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: