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Chimney height approval

At whatever height smoke and flue gases are discharged, gravity eventually brings the larger particles of grit, dust and soot to the ground.

The higher the point of discharge and the greater the total heat content of the discharged gases, the more widespread and diluted will be the fine particles and gases by the time they reach ground level.

There are certain conditions where you must apply to the Council for approval of chimney heights.

Why do I need chimney height approval?

Under section 14 of the Clean Air Act 1993, unless the height of a chimney has been approved by the local authority and any conditions attached to approval have been adhered to, it’s an offence to cause or knowingly permit a furnace to be used to: 

  • burn pulverised fuel
  • burn any other solid matter at a rate of 45.5 kilograms( (kg) or more per hour
  • burn any liquid or gaseous matter at a rate equivalent to 366.4 kilowatts (kw) or more

If you’re intending to carry out any of the following activities, and any of the above criteria apply, you’ll need to apply for chimney height approval from the council: 

  • construct a new chimney
  • increase the combustion space of an existing furnace
  • add a new furnace to an existing installation
  • change the fuel burnt in an existing furnace
  • replace a furnace with one having a larger combustion space

Applying for chimney height approval

Apply for chimney height approval (PDF File, 155kb) by downloading and completing the application form. There is no charge for this approval. A written decision will be given within 28 days, unless it is agreed in writing that a longer period may be allowed. 

Please include any supplementary information such as stack height calculations with your application. Contact us if you have any questions. 

We will approve the proposed chimney height once we are satisfied that it will be sufficient to prevent, so far as is practicable, the smoke, grit, dust, gases or fumes emitted from the chimney from becoming prejudicial to health or a nuisance.