What is meant by the term Smoke Control Area? Does this mean I cannot have a bonfire?
The majority of the Dartford Area is within a ‘Smoke Control Area’. This means that emissions from domestic chimneys are controlled and only smokeless fuels can be burned. This is enforced by the Council’s Environmental Health Section under the Clean Air Act 1993. Being in a smoke control area doesn’t mean you cannot have a bonfire. There are no bylaws in Dartford controlling lighting of bonfires or the times of lighting. However, while it is acceptable to light bonfires from time to time, bonfires can cause a nuisance to neighbours and prevent them from enjoying the use of their gardens. If bonfires are causing a nuisance, there are powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to deal with this and this is enforced by the Council’s Environmental Health Section. More acceptable methods of disposal are advised, such as composting. Further advice is available from the Council’s Environmental Services Section on 01322 343434. Smoke Control Areas were created to deal with the smogs c
