Industry and rural communities celebrate after campaign success. Businesses in the fireplace sector should be compensated for the cost of the ‘illogical’ ban from the Scottish Government on woodburning stoves in Scotland, a politician has demanded.
As reported, there was shock when Holyrood implemented the New Build Heat Standard on April 1 – legislation that meant only “zero emission” heating systems were allowed to be installed when constructing new build properties.
The Scottish government said it had widespread support for the new law in the bid to get to ‘Net Zero’ but said developers or homeowners could apply for a warrant to have a stove for ‘emergency heating’ if zero emission heating systems fail.
The move sparked months of campaigning from the industry, including the SIA, the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps and politicians representing rural communities, where electric and mains gas heating are frequently unavailable.
One of those, Rachael Hamiltion MSP, hailed the decision to reverse the legislation.
She commented: “This humiliating u-turn from SNP ministers is a direct result of repeated pressure from the Scottish Conservatives, industry stakeholders and rural and island communities.
“The SNP never thought through the deeply damaging consequences this ban would have on rural and remote communities, where these heating systems are a lifeline.
“It summed up how out-of-touch SNP ministers are with their needs and this u-turn is long overdue.
“Now the SNP must conclude that the lifting of the ban should be a permanent one and explore every way in which they can compensate those businesses who have lost out in recent months due to this illogical policy.”
John Stone, Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps director in Scotland, said he was delighted that pressure from the Guild, the SIA and others, had achieved the outcome they wanted.
He said: “I am happy that the work done by those who used the postcards and letters supplied free by the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, to inform their customers, has worked.
“This turnaround was only achieved by chimney sweeps, stove sellers and installers from various associations, working together for the benefit of their Industry.
“Thank you all!”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Ministers confirmed to Parliament in May that there would be a review of the New Build Heat Standard, with the intention to adapt it to address issues of inflexibility raised by communities – particularly regarding the installation of wood burning stoves in new homes in rural areas.
“The Minister for Climate Action has now written to local authorities to temporarily relax the Standard in relation to the use of bioenergy and peat heating, pending the conclusion of that formal review.
“This does not have any implications for the outcome of the review which is currently concluding – any regulatory amendments will be introduced by the end of the year.
“The New Build Heat Standard only applies to new homes and buildings – there is currently no regulation of the type of heat in existing buildings.”
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