Stove buyers could be breaking the law
22 Dec 05
Environmental regulations forbid wood-burning stove use in certain areas
Householders buying wood-burning stoves may be inadvertently breaking the law.
East Dunbartonshire and Edinburgh City Councils have warned that use of the stoves, which have become popular in fashionable districts, could be illegal in areas such as Milngavie, Bearsden and Edinburgh because of environmental regulations aimed at keeping places smoke free.
The Clean Air Act 1993 imposes stringent restrictions on the kinds of appliances and fuels that can be used. A spokesperson for Edinburgh City Council said that certain kinds of stoves were suitable because the manufacturers had applied to central government to have the product's emissions tested.
Stoves that do not meet the stringent requirements could be removed from the house.
Nigel Kerr from East Dunbartonshire Council added that the authority was happy to speak to people before buying the stoves - which can cost up to £7,000 - to ensure that they kept within the legislation.