Decision details

Matter for Decision

Solid Fuel Burning was the largest single source of PM2.5 emissions in Cambridge. It accounted for 40% of emissions in Cambridge.

 

Legislation to control emissions from solid fuel burning was the Clean Air Act 1993 and the use of Smoke Control Areas (SCA); a designated area where the emission of smoke was not permitted. You could burn inside a SCA, but either smokeless fuel or a DEFRA approved appliance must be used. Three SCAs were introduced in Cambridge in the 1960s and 1970s. Most residential properties were outside existing SCAs.

 

Cambridge City Council commissioned an independent report to assess the effects of amending the SCA in Cambridge to cover the whole of the city. The report considered both the inclusion and exclusion of permanent moored vessels in terms of changes in pollution emissions, health & socio-economic impacts.

 

The report concluded that any changes to widen the scope of the SCA would provide a net benefit to society from health improvements due to reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, with these benefits outweighing the combined costs. Costs included cost to home and vessel owners of switching fuel or upgrading stoves; and cost to council for implementation and enforcement.

 

The impact on individuals was considered as part of the socio-economic study. Very few residents were solely dependent on solid fuel for heating and hot water, with changes impacting those that used wood burning stoves for pleasure or to subsidise other forms of central heating. However, this was not the case for moored vessel owners who were more dependent on solid fuel. Evidence suggested this group may have lower incomes and be more vulnerable.

 

The Officer’s report recommended the expansion of the SCA to cover the whole city including moored vessels, and recommended further engagement with vessel owners given the increased potential vulnerability of this group. Should changes to the SCA be implemented, it should be accompanied by a robust awareness raising campaign.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Climate Action and Environment

Approved the consultation to the public on expanding the SCA to cover the whole of the district including to extend the scope of the SCA to include permanent moored vessels.

 

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

 

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

See Officer’s report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Environmental Quality & Growth Manager.

 

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

      i.          Referred to the 2023 report regarding how enforcement action could be undertaken. The intention would be to investigate complaints from members of the public, issue warnings if required, then act if people did not desist from burning inappropriate fuels etc. There had been no prosecutions under the SCAs in twenty-seven years.

     ii.          Residents in some wards complained when others burnt solid fuel as they were concerned about harm from smoke.

 

The Environmental Quality & Growth Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions:

      i.          The Officer’s report recommended the expansion of the SCA to cover the whole city including moored vessels, and recommended further engagement/consultation with vessel owners given the increased potential vulnerability of this group.

     ii.          People could still burn approved fuels or any fuel in an approved appliance.

   iii.          Retailers could only supply smokeless fuels. ‘Approved’ stoves were available and more expensive than ‘standard’ stoves. The report set out options the City Council could implement to avoid penalising boat owners.

 

The Air Quality Consultant said the difference between ‘standard’ and ‘approved’ stoves was hard to quantify. Possibly a reduction in up to 70% of some particulates. Undertook to liaise with Councillor Glasberg after committee.

 

   iv.          There would always be some harm from burning combustible fuels, so reducing emissions would lead to some benefits.

 

The Scientific Officer reiterated:

      i.          Officers had plans to engage with residents and raise awareness of issues if SCA were expanded.

     ii.          People could use appropriate fuel/stoves.

   iii.          There was a need to improve fuel issues such as traffic emissions to improve air quality.

 

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendation.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

 

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.