Pollution control will typically investigate the following types of complaints about air pollution:
- Smoke emitted from premises, including dark smoke
- Fumes or gases emitted from premises
- Dust, steam or odours from industrial, trade or business premises
The council has a range of powers under the Environmental Protection Act and the Clean Air Act to deal with these types of emissions if:
- they are so significant or repetitive as to be prejudicial to health
- have a detrimental material impact on neighbouring premises
Pollution control also deals with a wide range of complaints from certain prescribed industrial premises.
The south west corner of Portsmouth is a smoke control area, which limits fuel usage to smokeless fuels in the area – except where approved combustion equipment is used. Chimneys for larger industrial sites across the city may need to be approved by pollution control.
View the smoke control areas map.
Contact us
For more information or to apply for authorisation or exemption, visit DEFRA.
If you have queries or complaints about pollution, contact the city helpdesk on 023 9283 4092, email cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or write to City Helpdesk, Portsmouth City Council, Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AL.