Residents risk £300 fines for using log burners in South Gloucestershire

Residents of South Gloucestershire who use log burners could face fines up to £300 under new rules. The council has approved the introduction of these financial penalties within the district's smoke control area, but it is not a complete ban on domestic solid fuel, fires or stoves.

South Gloucestershire Council has been granted new legal powers to issue these fines, which are intended to improve air quality by reducing harmful pollution known as particulate matter, or PM2.5. This type of pollution is emitted from burning wood and can lead to serious health issues.

This follows a similar decision made by Bristol City Council last September. Although their leaders later criticised the policy as a "bit of a joke" due to lack of government funding for enforcement, reports Bristol Live.

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A report presented to the South Gloucestershire Council cabinet on Monday, April 15, stated: "Enforcement action will not be necessary if authorised fuels or a Defra-approved appliance are used but may apply to a small number of solid fuel appliances especially if operated in a way that does not comply with the regulations. This is not a complete ban on burning fuels or of fires, burners or stoves but aimed at ensuring fuels and devices are used more efficiently.

"Smoke from outdoor burning is not covered by smoke control area rules. This therefore excludes from enforcement action barbecues, chimineas, pizza ovens and bonfires which are outside and not in a building,"

The smoke control area covers a large area south of the M4 between the M5 and M32 and includes Filton, Stoke Gifford, Patchway, Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and a small number of roads in Kingswood. The report said a written warning would be sent first to residents breaking the rules, followed by a second warning if smoke was seen again coming from a chimney and then a final notice with a fine of £175 for a first offence and £300 if it happens again.

Environmental health manager Shaun Fudge told the meeting that support would be available from the council’s Warm and Well energy advice partner which provided grants and access to low-interest loans for improvements such as insulation and renewable energy. Cabinet member for communities and local place Cllr Sean Rhodes (Labour, Kingswood) said: “The negative impact of small particulates on public health is well documented, so every step we can take to reduce those emissions should be welcomed as an improvement to the lived environment in those affected areas.”

Cabinet member for climate and nature emergency Cllr Louise Harris (Lib Dem, Dodington) said: “As with all things in life it’s a question of balance and with this policy we are trying to do that taking into account air quality issues. The key thing is the extra support for energy advice for people who might be affected by it, which I certainly welcome.”