The London Borough of Hackney Smoke Control (Variation) Order 2027

Overview

Hackney Council is proposing to amend its Smoke Control Order to include waterways within the Order. This is to help reduce harmful pollution from burning solid fuels, such as wood and coal. Stoves are not being banned and people will still be able to use solid fuel to heat their homes.

Within a Smoke Control Area, people are only able to burn solid fuel if they are:

• Using an appliance (stove) that has been approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), OR
• Using DEFRA-approved fuel. 

These restrictions already apply to properties in Hackney on land. The proposed amendment is to include the waterways in Hackney’s Smoke Control Order, meaning that the smoke controls would also apply to moored vessels (boats).

What changes are the Council proposing to make to its Smoke Control Areas?

The proposal in Hackney is to:

• Amend the Smoke Control Order to extend the regulations to include moored vessels (canal boats).

Do I live in a Smoke Control Area?

• The whole borough is covered by the order created in 2025.
• The proposed variation will include the waterways, which are not currently included.

Why are these changes being proposed?

• To improve air quality around the waterways by extending the requirements to include moored vessels.

• To allow for broader enforcement of regulations to tackle harmful emissions.

What happens if I break the rules in a Smoke Control Area?

• In England, you may have to pay a penalty of up to £300 if your chimney releases substantial smoke in a Smoke Control Area.
• You can be fined up to £1,000 if you buy unauthorised fuel to use in an appliance that’s not approved by DEFRA.

How would the changes affect residents?

• For most residents, the changes would not require any action to be taken.
• Residents would benefit from cleaner air quality.
• If you moor a vessel on the borough’s waterways, you may be affected. You may need to change the way you heat your vessel as under the proposed order you will only be allowed to use an approved stove for heating, or burn authorised fuel. The changes do not affect the fuel used for powering the boat’s movement.

What can I do if my current stove is not DEFRA-approved?

• You would only be allowed to use it with authorised fuel. You will need to ensure that the fuel used carries the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo and that the appliances and flue are well-maintained.
• For boaters with a permanent mooring on Hackney’s waterways who are moored on the day the changes come into force, you may qualify for funding amounting to 70% of the costs of installing a compliant burner.
• For continuous cruisers who face financial hardship as a result of the changes, there may be other sources of support that the Council can provide.

How can I find out more about the changes?

• Visit: https://www.hackney.gov.uk/community-safety-and-environment/pollution-noise-and-environmental-problems/air-quality

• Visit: https://www.gov.uk/smoke-control-area-rules

• View copies of the Notice and the area covered in Hackney’s libraries and the Town Hall;

• Follow Hackney Council on social media

• Contact: landwaterair@hackney.gov.uk

How can I share my comments or objections?

Any person may object to or make comments on the new proposal by filling out the online survey. Please click on 'Online survey' at the end of this page to access the survey.

You can also send your comments and objections by email to: landwaterair@hackney.gov.uk

Or write to:

Land, Water, Air Team, Climate Homes & Economy

Hackney Council, Hackney Service Centre, 

1 Hillman Street, 

London E8 1DY

All comments and objections should be clearly headed ‘Feedback on the proposed order, entitled ‘The London Borough of Hackney Smoke Control (Variation) Order 2027’, 

The closing date for comments and objections is Friday 22 January 2027.