Gedling’s existing Smoke Control Area, which affects rules around the use of wood burners and open fires, will soon be expanded to cover the whole of the borough.
Gedling Borough Council want to expand the control area to improve air quality and protect public health.
The move will replace the 40 existing smoke control areas, some dating back to the 1960s, and bring the entire borough under the same regulations.
The decision follows a public consultation, which received over 200 responses. While 31% of respondents supported the proposal, concerns were raised about fuel costs and enforcement.
@gedlingeye The move will replace 40 existing smoke control areas, with some dating back to the 1960s #fyp #foryou #smokecontrolarea #notts #nottingham #gedling #gedlingboroughcouncil #pollution #environment #airpollution #news ♬ original sound – GedlingEye
The new smoke control area means residents should only burn authorised smokeless fuels or use DEFRA-approved stoves for wood burning. The council has said it will take a proportionate approach to enforcement on a case by case basis, focusing on education and advice before issuing penalties, mirroring the Burn Better, Burn Less approach by DEFRA.
Domestic burning is one of the largest sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can cause serious health problems. Reducing PM2.5 emissions also benefits plant life and helps prevent soil and water contamination. The changes align with national air quality targets set out in the Environment Act 2021.
Councillor Viv McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Natural Habitat, said: “Air pollution, particularly from domestic burning, is a significant public health issue. A borough-wide smoke control area ensures that all residents are treated fairly and that we have a consistent approach to reducing harmful emissions. This is about improving air quality while taking a balanced approach to enforcement.”
A council spokesman said: “The council will now begin the process of revoking existing smoke control orders and introducing the borough-wide order. A consultation on the proposals will run for six weeks, and residents can take part by visiting www.gedling.gov.uk/haveyoursay.
“Residents will receive further information about what the changes mean for them, including guidance on compliant fuels and appliances.”
Why don’t you just leave us alone & stop trying to control all of us!! It’s like living in North Korea.
Fantastic decision, Hurrah for GBC