A council will consider a city-wide smoke control area at a meeting today.

Councillors at Brighton and Hove City council are being asked to approve the extension of the smoke control area at a meeting of the environment, transport and sustainability committee this afternoon.

Currently, the smoke control area covers much of Hanover, Lewes Road, Bevendean and the city centre.

In these areas, the use of non-certified woodburning stoves is banned.

Burning wood on an open fire is also illegal in smoke control areas, and some appliances are only exempt for certain fuels.

However, outdoor burners like chimineas and BBQs are not covered by smoke control legislation.

The measure is part of Brighton and Hove City Council’s Air Quality Action Plan.

In a report going before the environment, transport and sustainability committee this afternoong, the council said: "The council will consider a citywide smoke control area with the aim of reducing smoke from chimneys." 

The report also recommends that the committee requests officers "to prioritise the development and delivery of a citywide smoke control area to help tackle the harmful effects of particulate matter."

Households burning illegal fuels can be fined up to £300 by the council if it decides a household is producing too much smoke, or up to £1,000 for burning unauthorised fuel with an uncertified appliance.