Smoke and bonfires

At whatever height smoke and flue gases are discharged, gravity eventually brings the larger particles of grit, dust and soot to the ground.

The higher the point of discharge and the greater the total heat content of the discharged gases, the more widespread and diluted will be the fine particles and gases by the time they reach ground level.

There are certain conditions where you must apply to us for approval of chimney heights.

Apply for chimney height approval

There is no charge for this approval. 

We will give a written decision within 28 days, unless it is agreed in writing that a longer period may be allowed. 

Include any supplementary information such as stack height calculations with your application. 

Contact us if you have any questions. 

Why you need chimney height approval

Under section 14 of the Clean Air Act 1993, unless the height of a chimney has been approved by the local authority and any conditions attached to approval have been adhered to, it’s an offence to cause or knowingly permit a furnace to be used to burn: 

• pulverised fuel
• any other solid matter at a rate of 45.5 kilograms( (kg) or more per hour
• any liquid or gaseous matter at a rate equivalent to 366.4 kilowatts (kw) or more

If you’re intending to carry out any of the following activities, and any of the above criteria apply, you’ll need to apply for chimney height approval: 

• constructing a new chimney
• increasing the combustion space of an existing furnace
• adding a new furnace to an existing installation
• changing the fuel burnt in an existing furnace
• replacing a furnace with one having a larger combustion space

After you apply

We will approve the proposed chimney height once we are satisfied that it will be sufficient to prevent, so far as is practicable, the smoke, grit, dust, gases or fumes emitted from the chimney from becoming prejudicial to health or a nuisance.