Report a smoke nuisance

From bonfires

We recommend that you don't have bonfires, as there are many ways to dispose of your waste which won't cause a nuisance to your neighbours or reduce air quality. You can also book to take your waste to Pepperhill tip which is managed and run by Kent County Council.

It is not an offence to have a bonfire and there are no time restrictions, however if smoke from the fire causes a regular nuisance then you can report it to our Environmental Protection Service.

If one of our officers witnesses the bonfire and considers it bad enough to be a statutory nuisance then an abatement notice may be served on the liable parties. If they then continue having a bonfire on the land they are committing an offence for which they can be prosecuted and fined.

If a bonfire is out of control or built in a dangerous location it should be reported to Kent Fire and Rescue Service immediately on 999.

From chimneys

Most of the urban area of Gravesend and Northfleet is within a Smoke Control Area that prohibits smoke coming from the chimneys or flues of houses, businesses or other buildings.

Smoke Control Areas were set up to protect air quality as tiny particles of soot can be breathed into lungs and cause/worsen heart and lung diseases.

If you wish to burn solid fuels in a Smoke Control Area you can only burn smokeless fuels or use a Department of Food Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) approved appliance. Such an appliance must only be used with the fuel it was designed for and must be installed, used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Chimneys must be tall enough so as not to cause fume to exit at window height etc.

Defra have produced two guides for people wishing to burn or considering burning logs:

Open fires and wood-burning stoves – Practical Guide (Defra)

You can find further information, including a list of Defra approved appliances that can be used in smoke control areas, at GOV.UK.

Alternatively, read information about smoke control,or you can get advice about smoke control and whether your building is in a smoke control area by emailing ep@gravesham.gov.uk or by phoning 01474 337000

People responsible for emitting smoke from a chimney or flue can be prosecuted and receive a fine of up to £1,000 for each day they emit smoke from their chimney or flue.

Report a smoke nuisance

You can report smoke nuisances or make enquiries about bonfires and smoke control by emailing ep@gravesham.gov.uk or phoning 01474 337000.

When emailing, it would be helpful if you could attach one or two photographs of the nuisance.