Currently, only specific parts of the district are SCAs, namely the town centres of the four towns of Kenilworth, Leamington, Whitnash, and Warwick. These orders were established under older legislation and do not reflect the modern standards set out in the government’s latest Clean Air Strategy.

A property that falls under a Smoke Control Area isn’t banned from burning solid fuels but is required to ensure that whatever they burn does not cause harmful levels of smoke pollution. This means using authorised smokeless fuels and appliances.

The Council is now consulting on six potential options to update these arrangements.

• Option 1 – district wide, every building in the district is included
• Option 2 – no change to the current orders (town centres only)
• Option 3 – main urban focus, expanding the orders to the entirety of the four towns and not just the town centres
• Option 4 – urban and village growth, including all four towns plus villages earmarked for growth in the local plan
• Option 5 – urban, village and brownfields, including all mentioned in option 4 plus the inclusion of redeveloped industrial sites
• Option 6 – district wide, excluding homes without gas

Councillor Jim Sinnott, Portfolio Holder for Safer, Healthier and Active Communities, said:

“Air pollution remains the largest environmental risk to public health, and the Council is committed to doing everything we can to improve local air quality.

“It’s important that we hear from residents and businesses to ensure we achieve the right balance between meeting local needs with our health and environmental responsibilities.”

Responses to the consultation can be submitted online on our website. 

Anyone who wishes to request a paper copy can email pollution@warwickdc.gov.uk or call 01926 456741.

The consultation closes on Monday 5 October 2026.