Smoke Control Areas

Is Luton a smoke control area?
Yes, Luton was designated a smoke control area in the 1970s.

What is the effect of declaring a smoke control area?
When a smoke control order is in operation, only authorised fuels may be burnt in an open fireplace. If you want to burn unauthorised fuels, such as wood, you must only do this in an exempt appliance.

What is an authorised fuel?
Authorised fuels have passed tests to show they can burn in an open fireplace without producing smoke. For further details on smokeless solid fuels authorised for use in a smoke control area visit GOV.UK - Smoke control areas.

What is an exempt appliance?
An exempt appliance has been tested to ensure it is capable of burning an unauthorised fuel without emitting smoke. For further details on appliances exempt for use in a smoke control area visit GOV.UK - Smoke control areas.

My neighbour is burning something in their fireplace which is producing lots of smoke, what can I do?
Try to approach your neighbour for a chat about the problem. It could be that your neighbour is unaware they live in a smoke control area. If talking to your neighbour doesn't work, contact us for help.

My neighbour keeps having bonfires, what can I do?
The restrictions which apply in a smoke control area relating to fuels and fireplaces do not apply to garden bonfires. See our bonfires webpage for further information.

How can I make a complaint?

• call  51 03 30, Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm, except Wed, 10am-6pm.