Brighton & Hove Smoke Control Area 2026 — What It Means for Your Wood Burning Stove
Everything you need to know about the new citywide Smoke Control Area — and why it is not a ban on wood burners.
If you live in Brighton or Hove and own a wood burning stove — or you are thinking about having one installed — you may have heard about the new Smoke Control Area. There has been some confusion, so we want to make things clear.
This is not a ban on wood burning stoves. You can still use a wood burner in Brighton & Hove, provided you follow the Smoke Control Area rules.
What Has Brighton & Hove Council Decided?
Brighton & Hove City Council’s cabinet approved a new citywide Smoke Control Area on 14 May 2026. This will replace the five smaller existing smoke control zones, some of which have been in place since the 1970s, with one single zone covering the built-up area of Brighton & Hove.
The South Downs National Park area within the council boundary is excluded from the new zone.
The council is expected to communicate the new order to residents in autumn 2026, ahead of the winter heating season.
Are Wood Burning Stoves Being Banned in Brighton?
No. Wood burning stoves are not being banned. You can continue to use a stove in Brighton & Hove as long as it is suitable for use in a Smoke Control Area.
In practical terms, this means you can burn wood if your stove is a DEFRA exempt appliance and you use it correctly.
The rules are mainly designed to stop smoke being emitted from chimneys and to prevent unauthorised fuels being used in unsuitable appliances.
What Does the New Smoke Control Area Restrict?
Under Smoke Control Area rules, you must not emit smoke from a chimney unless you are using an approved appliance and fuel combination.
The main things affected are:
- Open fires burning wood — these are not permitted in a Smoke Control Area unless you use approved smokeless fuels.
- Older, non-exempt stoves — if your stove is not DEFRA exempt, you cannot burn wood in it within the Smoke Control Area.
- Unauthorised fuels — wood is classed as an unauthorised fuel unless it is burned in a DEFRA exempt appliance.
What Is a DEFRA Exempt Stove?
A DEFRA exempt stove is an appliance that has been tested and approved for use in Smoke Control Areas. These stoves are designed to burn wood more cleanly and efficiently, producing far less smoke than an open fire or older stove.
Most modern Ecodesign Ready stoves sold in the UK are also DEFRA exempt, but it is always worth checking your exact stove model to make sure.
If you already have a stove, you can check your appliance manual, look up the model online, or ask your installer to confirm whether it is DEFRA exempt.
What About Ecodesign Stoves?
Ecodesign stoves are modern, efficient appliances designed to meet strict emissions standards. They produce significantly lower particulate emissions than older stoves and open fires when installed correctly and used with the right fuel.
Modern Ecodesign stoves can reduce particulate emissions by up to 90% compared with an open fire, making them a much cleaner option for households that want the warmth and comfort of a real fire.
All the stoves we install at Surrey and Sussex Stoves are Ecodesign Ready and DEFRA exempt, meaning they are suitable for use under the new Brighton & Hove Smoke Control Area rules.
Can I Still Get a New Wood Burning Stove Installed in Brighton?
Yes. You can still have a new wood burning stove installed in Brighton or Hove. You simply need to make sure the appliance is DEFRA exempt and suitable for use in a Smoke Control Area.
If you currently have an open fire or an older stove, upgrading to a modern Ecodesign, DEFRA exempt stove can help you stay compliant while improving heat output, efficiency and fuel use.
What If I Already Have a Wood Burning Stove?
If your stove is already DEFRA exempt, you should be able to continue using it under the new rules, provided it is installed correctly, maintained properly and used with suitable fuel.
If your stove is older or you are unsure whether it is DEFRA exempt, it is worth checking before the new citywide Smoke Control Area comes into force.
If your stove is not DEFRA exempt, you may need to:
- Use approved smokeless fuels only, or
- Upgrade to a modern DEFRA exempt stove.
We can carry out a free assessment to confirm whether your existing stove is suitable and advise you on the best course of action.
What Fuel Should I Use?
For the cleanest and most efficient burn, always use good-quality, dry fuel. If burning wood, choose Ready to Burn certified logs with a moisture content of 20% or less.
Wet or poor-quality wood creates more smoke, produces less heat and can increase soot and tar build-up in your chimney.
How Can I Stay Compliant?
To get the best from your stove and stay within the rules, we recommend:
- Using a DEFRA exempt, Ecodesign Ready appliance.
- Burning Ready to Burn certified fuel.
- Having your chimney swept at least once a year.
- Getting your stove serviced annually.
- Following the manufacturer’s instructions when lighting and operating your stove.
What About the Rest of Sussex?
The new Smoke Control Area applies specifically to Brighton & Hove. If you live in Worthing, Lancing, Shoreham-by-Sea, Henfield, Pulborough or the wider West Sussex area, the new Brighton & Hove Smoke Control Area does not affect you directly.
However, it is always worth checking whether your property falls within an existing Smoke Control Area. You can do this using the interactive map on Defra’s UK AIR website.
We Install DEFRA Exempt, Ecodesign Stoves Across Brighton, Hove and Sussex
Every stove we install at Surrey and Sussex Stoves is Ecodesign Ready and DEFRA exempt, making it suitable for the Brighton & Hove Smoke Control Area and all current UK regulations.
As HETAS registered installers, we ensure every installation meets Building Regulations and comes with the correct HETAS Certificate of Compliance.
Whether you are in Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Shoreham-by-Sea or anywhere across East and West Sussex, we can help you choose the right stove for your home.
Get a Free Quote Today
Thinking about upgrading your open fire or old stove to a modern, compliant Ecodesign wood burner? We offer free, no-obligation surveys and can advise on exactly what is right for your home and budget.
Call us: 07526 228785
WhatsApp us directly
Email: hello@sasstoves.com
Or fill in our contact form at surreyandsussexstoves.com
Surrey and Sussex Stoves — HETAS registered stove installers serving Surrey and West Sussex. Ignite Warmth, Install Quality.
Removing the Existing Fireplace
The original fireplace had seen better days and was no longer suitable for the customer’s requirements. The first stage of the project involved carefully removing the existing fireplace components and opening up the chimney breast to assess its condition.
Once exposed, it became clear that structural improvements would be needed before the new stove could be installed. This is often the case with older properties where previous alterations may not meet current building regulations.
Installing a New Supporting Lintel
To ensure the fireplace opening was structurally sound, a new lintel was installed above the opening. The lintel provides essential support for the masonry above and allows the fireplace recess to be safely formed to the correct dimensions.
Installing a new lintel is a critical part of many fireplace renovation projects and ensures the installation complies with current safety standards.
Installing a New 316 Grade Stainless Steel Flue Liner
A new 316-grade flexible stainless steel chimney liner was installed throughout the chimney system. A quality flue liner is essential for ensuring safe operation, improving draw and helping the stove burn fuel efficiently.
Replacing older or damaged flue systems is one of the most important aspects of any wood burning stove installation. The new liner provides a reliable and safe route for flue gases while helping to maximise stove performance.
Bespoke Hearth and Beam Installation
The customer wanted a fireplace that combined traditional character with modern performance. To achieve this, we installed a new riven slate hearth along with a beautiful beam above the opening.
These finishing touches help create a focal point within the room while maintaining compliance with current installation requirements.
Installing the ECOSY Hampton XL Stove
The centrepiece of the project was the installation of an ECOSY Hampton XL wood burning stove.
The Hampton XL is a popular choice for homeowners looking for a stylish and efficient heating solution. As an Ecodesign-compliant appliance, it offers excellent efficiency, lower emissions and impressive heat output, making it ideal for modern homes.
Once installed, the stove was connected to the new flue system and thoroughly tested to ensure everything operated exactly as intended.
HETAS Certification and Final Safety Checks
As with every stove installation we carry out, the project was completed with comprehensive safety checks and HETAS certification.
This gives the homeowner complete peace of mind that the installation meets current regulations and has been completed to the highest standards.
The Finished Result
The completed fireplace renovation completely transformed the room. What was once an outdated fireplace is now a stunning focal point featuring a beautifully rebuilt chamber, new hearth, feature beam and high-performance ECOSY Hampton XL stove.
Projects like this demonstrate how a professionally installed wood burning stove can significantly improve both the appearance and comfort of a home while providing efficient and reliable heating for years to come.
If you’re considering a log burner installation, fireplace renovation or chimney lining project in Hove, Worthing or anywhere across West Sussex, SAS Stoves can help. From initial advice through to HETAS-certified installation, we provide a complete service tailored to your home and heating requirements.
Looking for a log burner installation in Hove or West Sussex? Contact SAS Stoves today for expert advice, fireplace renovations, chimney lining and HETAS-certified stove installations.