Expansion of Oxford smoke control area closer to approval

The government introduced rules on wood burners last year to reduce the amount of smoke new stoves can emit per hour from 5g to 3g

The expansion of a city's smoke control area is closer to going ahead following a public consultation.

Under Oxford City Council's plans several areas could be incorporated into a new city-wide area.

An eight-week consultation into the proposal concluded in January, with 52% of respondents supporting the plans.

The areas aim to improve air quality by encouraging people to use wood-burning stoves and open fires in a more efficient and cleaner way.

The hope is that the expanded zone will reduce the amount of smoke being emitted, and help protect the public from microscopic particles that can cause serious health conditions.

Oxford currently has 23 smoke control areas, including the city centre, Headington, most of East Oxford and Blackbird Leys.

Areas that could also be incorporated include north Oxford, Rose Hill, Littlemore, New Headington, Old Marston, and parts of Temple Cowley.

Within a smoke control area, residents and businesses can still buy and use solid fuel and wood burning stoves or open fires

Following the consultation, the council will have to apply to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for approval of the extended area.

If approved, the council aims to implement it in autumn 2024.

Anna Railton, cabinet member for zero carbon Oxford and climate justice, said: "Particulate pollution and its health impacts are a growing concern, so I am pleased that we are able to take this next step to reduce both the indoor and outdoor particulate pollution across the city."

She added the expanded area would "encourage everyone who uses solid fuel with wood burning stoves and open fires to do it as efficiently and cleanly as possible".

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