A smoke control area is a designated area where the emission of smoke from burning solid fuel is not allowed.
If you want to burn wood in a smoke control area, you must use a Defra-approved stove. Alternatively, you can burn smokeless fuel in an open fire or non-approved stove. Read our smoke pollution page to find out more.
Emissions from burning solid fuel were first regulated under the Clean Air Act 1956, which introduced smoke control areas. This was later replaced by the Clean Air Act 1993, which remains the current legislation.
Smoke from chimneys contains tiny particles known as particulate matter, including PM10 and PM2.5. PM2.5 can travel deep into the lungs and cause or worsen many health conditions. Burning solid fuel is the largest source of PM2.5 emissions in Cambridge, as shown in the impact study [PDF, 0.8MB] we commissioned in 2024.
The legal process to implement a citywide smoke control area has now been completed. The orders have been sealed and will come into force on 1 April 2027.
Existing smoke control areas will be revoked and replaced by a single citywide smoke control area covering Cambridge (excluding residential moored vessels).
Implementing a citywide smoke control area
Following a public consultation between January and April 2025 and approval by Cabinet on 24 June 2025, we have been progressing the legal process required to implement a citywide smoke control area. The new smoke control area will exclude residential moored vessels.
We are required to follow a legal process set out under the Clean Air Act and associated Defra guidance. This involves separate processes to revoke the existing smoke control areas and create a new citywide smoke control area, with statutory notice periods between each stage. As a result, implementation takes approximately one year.
Existing smoke control areas
Cambridge currently has three smoke control areas that were established during the 1960s and 1970s. Since then, the city has grown significantly, and the existing smoke control areas now cover only a relatively small proportion of Cambridge. Most residential properties are currently located outside these areas.
Revocation of existing smoke control areas
A consultation on revoking the existing smoke control areas ran from midday on Monday 20 October until 5pm on Friday 19 December 2025.
The Secretary of State confirmed on 7 May 2026 that the council could proceed with the revocation process.
Declaration of a citywide smoke control area
A consultation on the proposed citywide smoke control area ran from midday on Monday 1 June until 5pm on Friday 10 July 2026. The new citywide smoke control area will replace the existing three smoke control areas and will apply across the Cambridge City Council administrative area.
Next steps
We will continue to update this page before the new smoke control area comes into force on 1 April 2027.
Guidance will be provided to help residents and businesses understand:
- what the new smoke control area means
- whether the changes affect them
- which fuels can be used
- whether an existing stove can continue to be used
- where to obtain further information and advice
This information will help people make informed decisions before the new smoke control area comes into effect.
