Council to consider ban on wood-burning stoves

Councillors will consider a report proposing a ban on wood-burning stoves at a meeting of the housing committee scheduled for Tuesday.

Liam Rutherford, Local Democracy Reporter

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Angus Council is set to consider a possible ban on wood-burning stoves this week.

Councillors will consider a report proposing a ban on wood-burning stoves at a meeting of the housing committee scheduled for Tuesday.

The report outlines that solid fuel appliances, including wood-burning stoves, “present a number of risks to health and safety such as fire hazards, carbon monoxide exposure, and poor indoor and outdoor air quality.”

However, the report also says that wood-burners might be allowed in “exceptional circumstances” such as those in remote rural locations.

The report further outlines that where solid fuel appliances are already in place, a register will be maintained.

Any appliance (council or tenant-owned) deemed unsafe will be removed.

It is also said that the installation of unauthorised appliances will not be permitted.

There are currently 14 council properties in Angus with coal fires.

A tenant survey conducted in January indicated that 96% of respondents thought the “policy was clear and understandable.”

However, 65.5% of respondents felt the proposed policy could have a negative impact.

Among the concerns raised were concerns over losing the choice to use alternative heating sources and worries about the affordability of alternative heating sources.