South Tyneside Smoke Control Area Public Engagement Survey 2026

Section 1: Introduction

What is a Smoke Control Area?
A Smoke Control Area (SCA) is a designated zone where:

You cannot release smoke from a chimney;
You can only burn authorised fuel, unless you use an appliance approved by Defra (also known as an ‘exempt appliance’ or ‘Defra approved appliance’).

Why is it important to have smoke control?
Exposure to smoke and air pollution can lead to serious health issues, including asthma, heart disease, and lung conditions. Children, older adults, and people with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable.

Why are only parts of South Tyneside covered by Smoke Control Orders?
Right now, a lot of South Tyneside is covered by smoke control orders put in place before the 1980s. Some areas built after the 1980s were not included when the original smoke control orders were made. When new houses have been built more wood burning stoves are used in these areas.

Why we are doing this survey
We are looking to review our Smoke Control Areas, we want to hear what people in South Tyneside think about air quality and smoke control orders. We're also interested in how people use wood burners, stoves and open fires at home. This will help us understand what information people need if changes are made in the future.

The survey will take around 10 minutes to complete and is open to anyone who lives, works, studies, or visits South Tyneside, until Sunday 27th September 2026. Thank you for taking part.

All responses will be treated in accordance with data protection regulations. For full details on how your information will be used and protected, please refer to South Tyneside Council’s Privacy Notice at Privacy Notice: Public Protection - South Tyneside Council.