Ban on wood-burning stoves in council houses agreed by Angus councillors

Angus Council has introduced a ban on wood-burning stoves in properties it owns and manages.

Councillors considered a report proposing a ban at a meeting of the housing committee on Tuesday.

They say 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.”

The new policy regarding the installation and use of wood burners, stoves, open fires, and other open-flued appliances applies to council-owned properties and tenancies.

This policy does not apply to private homeowners.

Angus Council will now not normally permit the installation or replacement of solid fuel heating systems in its properties.

Each application will be considered on its merits, but the default position will be to refuse requests due to environmental and health risks.

In exceptional circumstances, where solid fuel may provide a significantly more cost-effective option than alternatives, an application may be considered following a full assessment and subject to approval.

Angus Council’s Housing Committee Convener, Councillor Jill Scott, said: “This policy is about ensuring clarity for our tenants in how the council will deal with requests regarding wood burners, stoves and open fires in council properties. It does not apply to private homeowners.

“While we understand the role of wood burners and open fires, our priority is to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible heating for our tenants.”

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 fears over losing the choice to use alternative heating sources and worries about the affordability of alternative heating sources.