Smoke Control Area consultation
High peak Borough Council are considering changing the Smoke Control Areas (SCAs) across the borough.
What is a Smoke Control Area?
Under the Clean Air Act 1993, Local Authorities can designate SCAs. In these areas, it is an offence:
- To emit substantial smoke from a chimney
- To buy or sell unauthorised fuel for use in a smoke control area, unless it is to be used in an exempt appliance.
Unauthorised fuel is any fuel that is not listed on Defra's Authorised/Certified Fuels list. Wood is an example of an unauthorised fuel - if you live in an SCA, you can only burn wood in an exempt appliance.
An exempt appliance is any stove that has been approved by Defra for use in smoke control areas, following emissions tests. Find out if you have an exempt appliance by checking the list on Defra's website.
About this survey
This survey has been created to ensure that you are well versed on the effects of burning and have the opportunity to input your personal opinion before we consider changing SCAs. It is open to anyone who lives, works, studies, or visits the area.
Your views will help shape decisions about whether a smoke control area is suitable for your community.
For further information on Smoke Control Areas and the health impacts of burning, please read the information booklet below.
HPBC Smoke Control Area information booklet (PDF, 425 KB)
Paper copies of the survey are also available at Buxton Town Hall, Glossop library, Hadfield library, New Mills library and Whaley Bridge library.
Complete the High Peak Borough Council Smoke Control Area Public Consultation Survey here.
This survey will close on Thursday 13th August 2026.
After the consultation period
We will review all responses and use them to recommend any proposed changes. Once finalised, there shall be a further consultation about this.
This consultation is being ran by the Environmental Health team. Contact - EnvHealth@highpeak.gov.uk.
