Angus Council leaders in north east Scotland have said they are banning solid fuel appliances and open fires in their own properties, such as social housing.
Angus Council, which covers a large area of rural Scotland north of Dundee, has approved a new policy regarding the installation and use of wood burners, stoves, open fires, and other open-flued appliances within council-owned properties and tenancies.
Under the new policy:
• Angus Council will 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.
The policy does not apply to private homes, only to council housing and properties managed by Angus Council.
The new policy – which is effectively a ban – comes almost exactly a year after the Scottish government reversed its own ban on the installation of solid fuel heating in new build properties.
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, stove 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.”
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