Issue details

Consultation process:

The Clean Air Act 1993 sets out the individual process for revoking existing orders and creating new orders. CYC Legal Services were consulted in the preparation of the draft order, the process for revoking existing orders and in terms of the consultation process to ensure compliance with statutory guidance and legislation.

A 6-week public consultation from 22nd April to 3rd June 2025 included:
• Production of a series of accessible consultation webpages to provide further information on the proposals and background information. A ‘consultation summary’ document was also produced, with copies available on request to those not digitally enabled.
• Printed copies of consultation materials draft Smoke Control Orders (and maps) were made available for public inspection at West Offices throughout the consultation period.
• An online survey was made available via the CYC Consultations webpage. Hard copies of the survey were made available via West Offices reception and upon request.
• A press release on 22 April 2025: https://www.york.gov.uk/news/article/1667/council-launches-consultation-on-extending-city-s-smoke-control-area. Articles also appeared in York Press online on 13, 19 and 24 March 2025.
• In line with statutory DEFRA guidance, a public notice was placed in the London Gazette and York Press on 8 and 15 April 2025, stating that CYC proposes to make an order to expand the SCA (and outlining its general effect) with details of how to comment.
• Physical copies of the notice were placed at 32 locations outside the existing SCA, including outlying villages, throughout the consultation period to ensure people who may be affected are aware of the proposal.
• Promotion via residents’ newsletters issued by CYC’s Marketing and Communications team throughout the consultation period, including the Families Newsletter (24 April and 22 May 2025), Resident update (1 May and 15 May 2025) and the Health and Wellbeing Newsletter (7 May 2025).
• Promotion via CYC’s social media channels throughout the consultation period, including Facebook.
• Copies of consultation posters were displayed across all CYC libraries
• Additional notification of the consultation was sent directly to other relevant stakeholders including Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), York Travellers Trust (YTT), neighbouring local authorities and York based suppliers of solid fuels.
• CYC’s Supported Housing Manager / Traveller and Gypsy Site contacts were made aware of the consultation and were asked to signpost residents with solid fuel burning appliances to the consultation.
• Notification of the consultation was sent directly to all CYC Councillors and Parish Councillors on 22 April 2025.
• CYC’s Environmental Protection team were available to answer questions on the consultation over the phone, in person by appointment or by email.

Consultees:
Local residents and businesses who burn wood and other solid fuels. Local fuel merchants would also have an interest in the proposals as delivery of non-authorised fuels in a Smoke Control Area is an offence.