Complaints About Households Using Wood Burning Stoves on the Rise: As Hartlepool Borough Council Issues 13 Enforcement Notices
- teessidetoday
- Dec 29, 2024
- 3 min read
29th December 2024
As gas prices continue to soar, many households across the UK are said to be increasingly turning to wood-burning stoves as an alternative means of heating their homes. However, this shift has reportedly led to a significant increase in complaints and enforcement actions by local councils across the country, including some local households falling foul to enforcement action being taken by Hartlepool Borough Council.
Figures compiled by the Daily Mail show that Hartlepool Borough Council issued 13 enforcement notices under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for alleged non-compliance related to wood-burning stoves. This highlights a growing tension between residents seeking affordable heating solutions and local councils enforcing ever more strict environmental regulations.
A national report published recently by The Daily Mail highlights the rising popularity of wood-burning stoves over the last four years, correlating with a steep increase in gas prices alongside Russia's conflict with Ukraine. The report claims that local councils are seeing a surge in complaints about the use of wood burning stoves in some households with enforcement action against households using log burners seeing an increase as a result. The primary concerns being raised by some locals include excessive smoke emissions, non-compliance with Smoke Control Area regulations, and potential breaches of the Clean Air Act 1993.
Hartlepool's Figures
In Hartlepool, its reported that nine formal complaints about wood-burning stoves were received to the council, resulting in:
13 enforcement actions commenced.
Seven warning letters issued to households.
Six inspections conducted by council officers.
The Data was reportedly collected via numerous Freedom of Information (FOI) requests by Mums For Lungs, covering a period from September 2023 to August 2024, with the figures said to underscore the proactive stance taken by local councils in addressing environmental concerns, despite the relatively low number of initial complaints as received by Hartlepool Borough Council,
Regional Comparison
When compared to neighbouring councils, Hartlepool's enforcement activity appears modest:
Durham County Council received 236 complaints, resulting in 32 enforcement actions and 32 warning letters.
Middlesbrough Council took 54 enforcement actions, leading to 27 inspections and 27 warning notices issued.
Stockton Borough Council did not provide data for the report.
However some have been quick to argue that the discrepancies may actually reflect the differences in local council policies, resources, or the severity of complaints received.
Balancing Environmental Concerns and Affordability
Whilst wood-burning stoves offer a cost-effective alternative to gas heating, they're reportedly not without their environmental and health implications. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 empowers local councils to investigate complaints about statutory nuisances, including smoke that may harm public health or interfere with the enjoyment of property. Additionally, the Clean Air Act 1993 regulates the use of certain fuels and appliances in Smoke Control Areas, which include parts of Hartlepool.
Local Councils are said to be facing increasing challenges in balancing the enforcement of regulations, whilst acknowledging the financial pressures faced by local residents, with critics arguing that penalising households already struggling with high energy costs appears 'disproportionate', especially when alternative heating options are limited.
The rise in enforcement actions against wood-burning stove users reflects a broader challenge facing local councils and communities in how to ensure compliance with environmental laws without exacerbating the financial hardships for local residents. As gas prices remain high, according to what many industry experts claim will be for the foreseeable future, the demand for affordable heating alternatives is likely to continue, raising important questions about how best to support households while safeguarding air quality.
Hartlepool Borough Council’s efforts, though relatively small in scale, highlights the complexities of addressing this issue, with many claiming local councils must use 'a balanced approach' that includes public awareness campaigns, support for Eco-friendly heating solutions, and fair enforcement practices to navigate this growing challenge.
