There are currently three SCAs in Cambridge that cover the west and the centre of the city. These SCAs were established in the 1960’s by Cambridge City Council to reduce pollution from burning wood and coal.
SCA rules in these areas do not currently apply to permanent residential moored vessels, but their inclusion is being considered.
SCAs help to reduce pollution from burning wood and coal – within an SCA you can only burn wood using appliances approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), or you can use smokeless fuels in other stoves and open fires.
Smoke from chimneys contains tiny particles known as particulate matter. Solid fuel and wood burning is the largest single source of particulate matter emissions in Cambridge. Particulate matter can travel deep into the lungs and cause or worsen numerous health conditions.
Cllr Rosy Moore, Executive Councillor for Climate Action and Environment, said: “Smoke pollution is really bad for our health, which is why it is so important residents get involved in this consultation.
“Introducing a city wide smoke control area would allow the council to address properties and businesses that are polluting the air to prevent them from doing so and where needed, take action against those that continue to do it. However, residents will still be able to burn either smoke-less fuels or wood if they are using a DEFRA approved stove.
“The council is committed to reducing smoke pollution in the city to help keep residents healthy and is keen to hear your views.”
Residents can see the full proposals and complete the consultation online using the council resident engagement platform.
For residents that need assistance completing the consultation or have any questions, a weekly drop-in session will be available at the Customer Service Centre between 11am and 3pm each Wednesday.
For those that prefer, paper copies are available from the Customer Service Centre (Mandela House, Regent Street, CB1 0SD) and Cambridge Central Library. Once completed, they can be returned to the Customer Service Centre, which is open Wednesday to Friday between 9.15am and 5pm, or responses can be posted to SCA consultation, EQG Team, PO Box 700, Cambridge, CB1 0JH.
The closing date for comments is Sunday 20 April 2025.
Image: grapix, Canva
