Smoke Control Areas in Leeds: Choosing a Stove

Much of Leeds is covered by smoke control orders, so where you live affects which stove you can choose and what you can burn in it. This guide sets out the rules using official information from Leeds City Council, Defra and GOV.UK, with links to each source so you can read the detail for yourself. It is a summary, not legal advice.

What is a smoke control area?

GOV.UK explains that in a smoke control area you cannot release smoke from a chimney, and you can only burn authorised fuel unless you use an appliance approved by Defra, also known as an exempt or Defra-approved appliance (GOV.UK: Smoke control areas, the rules).

Leeds City Council states that “a large number of areas in Leeds are controlled by smoke control orders”, and that areas not subject to restrictions are usually found in the former industrial parts of the city and some of the more outlying areas (Leeds City Council: Smoke control, air quality, light pollution and odour).

How to check your address in Leeds

Leeds City Council publishes an interactive smoke control map. Enter your postcode: if your address is within a shaded area, there is a smoke control restriction where you live.

Defra also offers a national Smoke Control Area interactive map for England, but notes that its data is indicative only and that you should always contact your local council to confirm whether you live in a smoke control area. If you are unsure, contact Leeds City Council via its smoke control page.

The council also notes that when you buy a stove or other solid fuel appliance, the installer should check where you live and advise whether the equipment you want is appropriate.

Defra-exempt appliances

Unauthorised fuels, such as wood, can only be burned in exempt appliances, such as some boilers, cookers and stoves, and GOV.UK says you must only use the types of fuel the manufacturer says can be used in the appliance. Defra publishes the list of exempt appliances; in England, appliances are exempted by publication of that list.

If you live in a smoke control area and are comparing freestanding wood-burning stoves or wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, check that the exact model is on the Defra list for England. We can help you check.

Ecodesign and Defra approval are not the same

Defra’s Burn Better, Breathe Better guidance says that since January 2022, new stoves entering the UK market must be Ecodesign compliant, and that they produce lower emissions and are more efficient than non-Ecodesign stoves and open fires.

However, Defra’s practical guide to open fires and wood-burning stoves (PDF) makes an important point: “You can only burn controlled fuels in Ecodesign stoves if they also appear on the list of Defra approved appliances.” In a smoke control area, look for both.

Authorised fuels and Ready to Burn

If your appliance is not exempt, GOV.UK says you can only burn fuel on the list of authorised fuels or smokeless fuels such as anthracite, semi-anthracite, gas and low volatile steam coal. Defra publishes the list of authorised fuels.

For wood, GOV.UK guidance on selling wood for domestic use says wood sold in volumes of less than 2 cubic metres must be certified as Ready to Burn, which confirms a moisture content of 20% or less. Defra advises that wood you buy in larger volumes or source yourself should be air dried for at least two years and checked with a moisture meter before burning. Defra’s practical guide also notes that it is illegal to sell traditional house coal for domestic use.

Fines

According to GOV.UK, in England you may have to pay a penalty of up to £300 if your chimney releases smoke in a smoke control area, and you can be fined up to £1,000 if you buy unauthorised fuel to use in an appliance that is not approved by Defra.

Other options

If a wood-burning stove is not right for your home, consider a gas stove (GOV.UK lists gas among the smokeless fuels), an electric fire or a bioethanol fire. You can browse our full range of fires and fireplaces or see them at the showroom: read our showroom visit guide before you come.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if my Leeds address is in a smoke control area?

Leeds City Council provides an online map: enter your postcode and, if your address is within a shaded area, a smoke control restriction applies. Defra also publishes a national map, but says its data is indicative only and that you should always confirm with your local council.

Can I use a wood-burning stove in a smoke control area?

Yes, if the stove is a Defra-approved (exempt) appliance and you burn only the fuels the manufacturer says it can use. Otherwise, you can only burn authorised fuels. Defra's guidance notes that an Ecodesign stove can only burn wood in a smoke control area if it also appears on the list of Defra-approved appliances.

What are the fines in a smoke control area?

According to GOV.UK, in England you may have to pay a penalty of up to £300 if your chimney releases smoke in a smoke control area, and you can be fined up to £1,000 if you buy unauthorised fuel to use in an appliance that is not approved by Defra.

What does Ready to Burn mean?

Under GOV.UK guidance, wood sold in volumes of less than 2 cubic metres in England must be certified as Ready to Burn, which confirms a moisture content of 20% or less. The logo appears on the packaging, alongside it on the shelf or next to the price.

BMF Creative Interiors, 248 Meanwood Road, Leeds LS7 2HZ. Showroom visits by appointment only. Phone 0113 266 0096 (lines open 9am–4pm, Monday to Friday) or email info@bmfonline.co.uk.