We monitor air quality at a number of locations where there is the potential for raised levels of pollution, or where concern has been expressed by residents. Monitoring information from our Earthsense Zephyr monitors can be viewed on the Air Quality in Norfolk website. We also produce annual status reports, which can be viewed by clicking the links below.

Broadland and South Norfolk Air Quality Reports

The use of wood burners and open fires has increased in recent years. The government has produced a guidance document to help people with these heating systems to reduce the environmental and health impact.

Download the leaflet on open fires and wood-burning stoves - a practical guide

Please note there are currently no smoke control areas in Broadland or South Norfolk.

With the introduction of the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020, it is now unlawful to buy or sell wet firewood in quantities less than two cubic meters. For larger quantities, wet wood can still be sold (but this should be dried out prior to burning).

Apart from wet wood not providing as much heat for your stove or fire, burning wet wood also contributes to reduced air quality in our area. When wet wood is burned, the lower temperatures lead to an incomplete combustion process which means more polluting particles and more smoke. Some of these particles (known as PM2.5) can have major health effects, such as exacerbating lung and heart conditions. Whilst we all tend to think of traffic and heavy industry as the major contributors to bad air quality, in fact domestic burning is the leading offender when it comes to man-made PM2.5.

Fortunately, there is an easy way to check that the wood you’re buying complies with the legislation, simply look for the 'ready to burn' logo on the packaging or at the place of purchase. 'Woodsure', the government appointed certification scheme provider, issues 'ready to burn' status for suppliers who demonstrate wood moisture levels below 20%.

For more information of the 'ready to burn' scheme, please follow the link below.

Guidance on burning wood

You should:

• Have your stove regularly maintained and serviced. It will work better and generate more heat from what you burn. Always operate your stove in line with the manufacturer’s guidance and only burn permitted fuels.
• Get your chimney swept regularly 
• Never burn treated waste wood, for example old furniture or household rubbish. This can emit harmful fumes and household rubbish may include plastics that can release toxic pollutants, such as arsenic, into your home when burnt.

We are continually exposed to low level radiation throughout our life which is perfectly normal and does not cause any health effects.

South Norfolk and Broadland does not include any locations identified by Public Health England as radon affected areas.

Background levels of gamma radiation are monitored routinely and are very low in this area.

Yes, we can investigate complaints under statutory nuisance laws.  If smoke is excessive, persistent, or affects health or comfort, we can issue an abatement notice.

We will look at:

• frequency and duration of smoke
• how thick or dark the smoke is
• time of day the smoke is evident
• impact on neighbouring properties (e.g. fumes entering homes)

If it significantly interferes with the use of your property, it may be a nuisance.

Most installations require building regulations approval, especially for flues and chimney height.  Planning permission is usually not needed unless the building is listed or in a conservation area.