Log burner owners could face a hefty £1,000 fine this autumn and winter if they fail to adhere to the rules. As gas and electric bills are set to soar again on Tuesday, October 1, with the energy price cap increasing by 10%, many may be considering alternative heating options.
It’s believed that approximately 1.5 million Brits have wood burners in their homes. However, new laws introduced a year ago could land these individuals in trouble.
The issue revolves around clean air regulations and what are termed as smoke control areas. In these zones, both the type of burner and the fuel used are subject to regulation. Last year saw the introduction of stricter laws.
According to gov.uk, numerous parts of the UK fall under smoke control areas. This implies that releasing smoke from a chimney is prohibited and only authorised fuel can be burned, unless an appliance approved by Defra – also referred to as an ‘exempt appliance’ or ‘Defra-approved appliance’ – is used.
In England, you could be slapped with a penalty of up to £300 if your chimney emits smoke in a smoke control area. Furthermore, purchasing unauthorised fuel for use in a non-Defra-approved appliance could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
How to find out if you live in a smoke control area
To determine whether you reside in a smoke control area, get in touch with your local council. The environmental services department will be able to assist you.
What you can burn in smoke control areas
In smoke control areas, only authorised fuels or ‘smokeless’ fuels can be burned unless you’re using a Defra-approved appliance:
- anthracite
- semi-anthracite
- gas
- low volatile steam coal
Exempt appliances are allowed to burn unauthorised fuels such as wood. These include certain boilers, cookers and stoves.
However, the manufacturer’s guidelines on fuel types must be adhered to.
Outdoor barbecues, chimineas, fireplaces or pizza ovens can be used in smoke control areas. If your appliance uses a chimney on the roof of a building – for example, a summerhouse – you can only burn authorised fuel unless it’s an exempt appliance.
Garden bonfires are permitted in smoke control areas, but rules on bonfires must be followed, according to Defra.
