Clean Air Act approval for chimneys

The Clean Air Act 1993 introduced regulations to control smoke emissions, the height of chimneys and the content and composition of motor fuels.

Unless the height of a chimney has been approved by a local authority and any conditions attached to an approval complied with, it is an offence to cause or knowingly permit a furnace to be used.

This applies to furnaces which:

• burn pulverised fuel
• burn at a rate of 45.4 kg or more an hour any other solid matter 
• burn at a rate equivalent to 366.4 kW or more any liquid or gaseous matter

We must consider an application for approval of a chimney height and give a written decision within 28 days. We may make an agreement with the applicant for a longer period to determine the application. If we fail to deal with the application within this time period, then approval without qualification is given.

Complete this environmental health service request form to request more advice.