Homeowners with chimneys issued warning over new rule that could land them £300 fine this month

It is all to do with Smoke Control areas

Most houses built prior to the 1990s have a chimney but people very rarely use them nowadays with many households having their fireplaces bricked up.

However, millions across the nation still use their chimneys to heat their home during winter, using traditional fuels such as coal or have a wood burner fitted into the chimney.

These households are being warned that they could be fined due to a new rule coming into place this month.

If your chimney starts billowing out smoke, there are areas of the UK where you can be reported to the local council and fined because of a new rule around Smoke Control Areas.

Most of England is now covered by Smoke Control areas which have been put in place to govern how much smoke can be emitted from your chimney.

Persistent offenders could face criminal charges on top of the fines.

Section 19 of the Clean Air Act 1993 says you must pay £300 if too much smoke is being released from your chimney.

A spokesperson from Direct Stoves told the Express: “The current limit on the amount of smoke your chimney can produce in a Smoke Control Area is 5g per hour, plus 0.5g for each kW of your stove's heat output.

“However, there are plans to reduce this limit to 3g per hour, although when this will happen is not yet confirmed.

“These rules mean that only some people with a wood-burning stove or open fire will pay a fine for using it. Most modern wood burners available are DEFRA-approved, so many stove owners do not need to worry.”