Toggle menu

Upcoming elections

Get ready to vote on 7 May 2026 for who will represent you on West Surrey Council. This will replace Surrey County Council and 11 borough and district councils (including Guildford) from 1 April 2027.

Find out more information about the upcoming election.

Find out if your property is in a smoke control area

What happens if I do not live in a smoke control area?

What you need to know

There's increasing concern over the use of wood-burning stoves. 

The Clean Air Strategy 2019 (opens new window) estimated that 38% of total emissions come from wood burners and open fires in domestic properties.

Burning the wrong fuels at home, such as wet wood or traditional house coal can be bad for the environment and can have an impact on health.

Find out if you're in a smoke control area.

Tips on using wood burners

Do:

✔ if you're buying a new appliance, you need an exempt appliance

✔ only buy wood which is certified as 'Ready to Burn' (opens new window) 

✔ if you burn wood, make sure it is dried properly. Freshly cut wood needs to be air dried for a minimum period of two years

✔ follow the cleaning and servicing schedule for the stove and chimney

Do not:

✗ burn treated waste wood such as old fence or furniture

Report an environmental problem