what does it mean when local authority search says that house is in 'smokeless zone'?

[beaglesaresweet]

is it some kind of industrial pollution as in smoke, or does it mean you are not allowed to lit fires in houses, causing smoke?

lmgtfy.com/?q=smokeless+zones

It means there are controls over whether you can have a fire in your house.

It means that if you have an open fire in your house you are only allowed to burn 'clean' fuel such as smokeless coal, there are other clean fuels too.

Smokeless fuel is widely available, just more expensive.

We're in a smokeless zone but entirely ignore the fact. I have never once heard of any enforcement of it.

We had a wood burner in a smokeless zone, there are certain approved ones you can have.

thank you, everyone! I did suspect this. It's a bit of a shame as the previous owners lined up the open fires recently and repaired chimneys. Sounds like they wouldn't do it if they weren't using fires. How much more expensive special fuels are? I have no experience in this, but not especially keen to use fires, just want to have the option.
Toospotty - are you in a town or a village though? I think in towns/cities they may be more strict. Do you know what the fine would be if they did enforce the rules?
Celtic, ok maybe a woodburner an option, but can you fit them within a nice period fireplace? (no tiles)

Smokeless coal is easily available. My parents have always lived in a smokeless zone but burn wood in their wood burning stove without any repercussions at all.

"We're in a smokeless zone but entirely ignore the fact. I have never once heard of any enforcement of it."

And that is partly why smogs occur. It would be enforced if somebody complained.

We live in London. We have a wood fire a handful of times a year. The next street to us is in a different borough and not smokeless. I feel we're not the world pollution criminals.

We live in a smokeless zone and have a stove, its a multi fuel SE which means smoke exempt. We burn wood and things called chubbies which are made from sawdust that's been compressed into logs, they are really good. We do use smokeless fuel but wood is cleaner. We get the chubbies and wood by the pallet which is cheaper but you need space for storage, Summer might be the best time to buy as demand drops there are sales on.

amusing, sunny, re 'chubbies'. agree that wood is cleaner.
Toospotty I was wondering what the fine would be, I know it's a bit silly. Although can see the point with built-up areas.
Thanks all for useful advice!