Explanatory note

Local authorities may declare the whole or any part of their district to be a smoke control area under section 18 of the Clean Air Act 1993. Section 20 of the Act generally prohibits the emission of smoke in smoke control areas. The Secretary of State may by order made under section 21 of the Act exempt specified classes of fireplace from the provisions of section 20, if he is satisfied that they can be used for burning fuel other than authorised fuels without producing any smoke or a substantial quantity of smoke.

This Order, which applies throughout Great Britain, exempts the classes of fireplace mentioned in the Schedule from the provisions of section 20 subject to conditions requiring installation, maintenance and operation in accordance with the relevant manufacturer’s instructions and subject to certain conditions as to the fuel to be used. It also amends an earlier order so as to allow cardboard to be burnt in the classes of fireplace specified.