Log Burner Owners Face £300 Fines Amid Environmental Concerns

Owners of log burners in the UK could face fines of up to £300 as the government proposes stricter regulations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of wood burning. Environmental criminology expert James Heydon has highlighted a key loophole in the government’s plans that could exempt many households from these penalties.

Current legislation allows local authorities to issue fines for burning unauthorised fuel or creating smoke in designated smoke control zones. Violations can lead to penalties of up to £1,000 for using improper fuel types in non-approved stoves. The UK government announced earlier this month that it would consult on measures to mitigate the environmental effects of domestic wood burning, including the regulations concerning stoves and bonfires. This initiative is part of the revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) unveiled last week.

The proposed measures would require manufacturers to modify or discontinue older “solid fuel” stove models to comply with new environmental standards. Importantly, the plans do not call for a ban on older stoves still in use. Additionally, the government may strengthen pollution thresholds in smoke control areas, where existing restrictions on domestic burning already apply.

Heydon, an Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, emphasized the health risks associated with domestic burning. He pointed out that it is a significant source of PM2.5, a type of particulate matter known to cause severe health issues. He noted, “Domestic burning is now a leading source of one of the most harmful forms of air pollution, and the UK government’s new environment improvement plan acknowledges the scale of this problem.”

The Clean Air Act of 1956, established to combat severe air pollution incidents, allows the creation of smoke control areas (SCAs) where specific fuels and appliances are regulated. Despite its longevity, Heydon argues that the act has not evolved to address modern air quality challenges effectively. He explained that enforcement is challenging, with only a small fraction of public complaints resulting in fines.

While the current legislation aims to reduce visible smoke, it does not adequately address the more hazardous PM2.5 emissions. Even modern “Defra-approved” and “EcoDesign” stoves, which are designed to emit less visible smoke, can release significant levels of PM2.5—often exceeding emissions from gas boilers by more than 300 times. Since 2010, more than 2,500 stove models have been exempted from SCA regulations, broadening the loophole and diminishing the system’s capacity to control harmful emissions.

The popularity of wood burning is on the rise, with the percentage of UK households using solid fuel increasing from 8% in 2018-2019 to 11.7% in 2022-2023. Concurrently, the number of newly inspected homes with stoves has grown from 7% in 2009 to just over 10% by 2024. According to official statistics, domestic combustion accounted for 20% of PM2.5 emissions in 2023.

The EIP aims to align the UK’s PM2.5 standards with those of the European Union, a departure from previous plans under the Conservative government. Heydon stresses the complexity of the issue, asserting that no single intervention will suffice. He advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes public education about the health risks associated with wood burning and practical alternatives for those reliant on it.

“The environment improvement plan holds much potential, but its success will depend on what comes next,” he said. “If the government is serious about meeting its new air quality targets, it must treat behaviour, information, and public engagement as central pillars of its strategy.”

The ongoing consultation and subsequent actions will be crucial in determining the future of wood burning and its impact on public health and the environment.