From December 1, all of Reading will face restrictions on the burning of solid fuels in homes and businesses.

This move is part of the council's effort to improve air quality and safeguard the health of residents.

Currently, the borough has 21 Smoke Control Areas (SCAs) that cover about 62 percent of Reading.

The new regulations will see the entire borough become an SCA, replacing the existing zones.

This expansion is part of a broader initiative by the council to create a healthier environment for the community.

Burning wood and coal releases tiny harmful particles into the air, which can be inhaled and potentially harm every organ in the body, which increases the risk of serious illnesses such as lung disease, heart disease, and cancer.

Children are particularly vulnerable, as exposure can stunt lung growth and affect their development.

SCAs help to mitigate this harmful pollution by regulating the use of solid fuel appliances, such as wood stoves, which are significant sources of these emissions.

Households in an SCA can burn solid fuels on an appliance listed on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) approved list or use manufactured solid fuels with the ‘ready to burn’ logo on an open fire or non-Defra exempt appliance.

The use of outdoor barbecues, chimineas, garden fireplaces, or pizza ovens is permitted as long as they do not release smoke through the chimney of a building, such as a summer house.

Garden bonfires are allowed in SCAs if they follow the rules on the council’s bonfires webpage.

The council has the authority to issue a penalty of between £175 and £300 to the responsible person where smoke is emitting from a chimney within the SCA.

A public consultation on creating a borough-wide SCA was held by the council in autumn 2023, and the Defra approved the scheme in July 2024.

Councillor John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, commented on the new regulations: "The creation of a borough-wide Smoke Control Area will help reduce the release of harmful pollution which can affect every organ in the body and increase the risk of serious illness.

"It will also be much easier for households to understand if the rules apply to them, as the SCA will cover the whole of Reading borough rather than separate pockets of the town.

"I would encourage households and businesses to visit the council website to check what can and cannot be burned if you live inside an SCA."

The new regulations are part of a broader effort to improve air quality in Reading and create a healthier environment for all residents.