Chimney height approvals

Clean Air Act 1993

When a new heating appliance is to be installed, in some circumstances, it is necessary to obtain approval for the height of the chimney to be used in conjunction with the appliance.

Under section 14 of the Clean Air Act 1993 it is an offence to cause or knowingly permit a furnace to be used to:

• burn pulverised fuel, or

• burn any solid matter at a rate of 45.4 kg or more an hour, or

• burn any liquid or gaseous matter at a rate equivalent to 366.4 kW or more,

unless the height of the chimney has been approved by the Council and any conditions attached to the approval adhered to.

The offence carries an unlimited fine in the magistrates’ court.

In order to apply for a chimney height approval you must complete an application form and submit this to the Council's Environmental Protection section. The form is available from us by emailing psr@newcastle.gov.uk.

The application for chimney height approval must contain adequate information to enable the necessary calculations to be carried out.

The chimney may also need planning permission.