Smoke controls could be expanded to reduce harm

Burning solid fuels releases harmful particles into the environment

Proposals to expand Smoke Control Areas (SCAs) are being discussed in Brighton & Hove as a further step to tackle the harm caused by burning solid fuels.

Within an SCA, emitting persistent visible smoke from a building's chimney is an offence, which can lead to a fine of £300 "for persistent cases".

Brighton & Hove City Council currently has five SCAs covering much of Hanover, Lewes Road, Bevendean and the city centre.

Members of the council's place overview and scrutiny committee will consider data collected from the city's new real-time air quality sensor network since 2024, including last winter.

Health risks

Pollutants from burning solid fuels have been shown to have significant impacts on health, including increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and lung disease, the council said.

A big contributor, both indoors and outdoors, is the burning of wood and coal in open fires and log burners.

The air quality sensor network was launched last October and gives residents the ability to see air quality levels in real time or to look at previous data.

Fifty sensors in various locations across Sussex, including 40 in Brighton & Hove, measure nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and particulate matter, as well as providing ambient measurements for temperature, pressure and relative humidity.

The council said the committee could only provide recommendations to the cabinet, which would make any decisions at a later date.

"One of the options the committee will consider next week is the expansion of the city's Smoke Control Areas (SCAs), where visible smoke from a building chimney is an offence.

"For persistent cases the council has powers to issue warning notices and a fine of up to £300.

"However, in 2024/25 the approach has been to educate and inform rather than issue fines."

Other cities have extensive SCA areas, including London, Manchester, Liverpool, Oxford, Bradford and Bristol, the local authority said.