In 2024, Brighton & Hove City Council launched a new, real-time air quality monitoring network to help us better understand the nature of air pollution in the city.
One of the pollutants it’s been keen to understand in more depth relates to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5. This kind of pollution can travel from the lungs into the bloodstream and onward to other vital organs.
The council is now asking people across the city for their views on plans that would help reduce harmful air pollution and improve our health.
A 6 week consultation is being launched on Clean Air Night tonight to gather feedback from residents, businesses and other stakeholders on replacing the city’s current 5 Smoke Control Areas (SCAs) with one that would cover the whole of Brighton & Hove.
The consultation includes several in person engagement events where people can come along and ask questions. More information about times and locations of the events can be found on the consultation page.
At the end of the consultation, the council will review all the views and comments before a final decision is made by Cabinet members.
The consultation is open for comments until Sunday 1 March.
Cleaner air for everyone
The council wants to reduce air pollution from burning coal, wood, and waste.
Persistent smoke from chimneys can worsen air quality and increase the risk of serious health issues including asthma, heart disease and strokes.
Data from the city’s air quality sensors across Brighton & Hove showed dramatic increases in harmful particle pollution last winter.
PM2.5 pollution (fine particles more than 20 times thinner than a human hair) was 91% higher during the winter months compared with the summer.
What is a Smoke Control Area?
A Smoke Control Area is a legally defined area where you cannot emit smoke from a chimney or buy an unauthorised fuel unless it’s for use in an exempt appliance.
Brighton & Hove currently has 5 Smoke Control Areas covering much of the Hanover, Lewes Road, Bevendean and the city centre.
Read more about Smoke Control Areas in Brighton & Hove.
Improving the city’s health
Councillor Tim Rowkins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Net Zero and Environment, said: “Everyone deserves to breathe clean air. By expanding our Smoke Control Area to cover the whole city, we can reduce the harmful particle pollution in our atmosphere and the risk it poses to our health.
“We’ve pledged to work towards cleaner air for our residents and set ambitious targets for the next two years. A city-wide Smoke Control Area will help us to achieve those goals for the benefit of everyone in Brighton & Hove.
“Clean Air Night is a fitting time to launch this consultation as it seeks to highlight the damaging impacts air pollution is having on our health. We want to hear the views of as many of our residents and businesses as possible and I’d encourage everyone to take part.”
