Yet another U-turn as  ministers scrap ban on wood burning stoves

A ban on woodburning stoves in new-build homes has been scrapped following a major U-turn by SNP ministers.

The Scottish Government announced it has lifted the ban after a major backlash from industry, rural communities, opposition parties and even some of its own politicians.

The controversial move quietly came into force in April, when it emerged that new building standards had been introduced which did not allow bioenergy heating systems including woodburning stoves in new developments.

Ministers yesterday wrote to local authorities to give them a direction which removes the new rules, with updated legislation to follow in the coming months.

Scottish Conservative deputy rural affairs spokesman Jamie Halcro Johnston said: ‘This long overdue climbdown by the SNP on their deeply flawed ban is a welcome move.

The Scottish Government has scrapped plans to ban woodburning stoves in new-build homes

‘Sustained pressure from the Scottish Conservatives - including when I held a members debate in Parliament - as well as from our rural and island communities has now forced ministers into a humiliating U-turn.

‘The consequences of imposing such a ban on installing woodburning stoves in new homes would have been devastating for those that rely on them, especially when there are periods of extreme weather.

‘However, with the lifting of this ban still only temporary, the Scottish Conservatives will continue to urge the SNP to do the right thing and make it permanent.’

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie was initially responsible for the introduction of the new building standards when he was in government as minister for zero carbon buildings.

Kate Forbes, who is now Deputy First Minister, led the backlash by saying wood burners are ‘essential’ for some in rural Scotland, while former Green MSP Andy Wightman said the ban was ‘disproportionate’ given the benefit wood can bring as a low-carbon heat source.

Following yesterday’s announcement, Stove Industry Association (SIA) chairman Andy Hill said: ‘We commend the Scottish Government for taking this common sense and progressive step.

‘The SIA strongly supports this Direction as it aligns with our mission to advance the use of sustainable and renewable heating solutions.

‘Bioenergy heating systems, such as woodburning stoves, offer a viable alternative to fossil fuel-based heating methods. 

This Direction not only promotes the use of renewable energy sources but also provides homeowners with more options for efficient and sustainable heating.’

The SIA had raised concerns that the ban left many Scottish households, especially in rural areas, vulnerable to heat loss during power cuts and exacerbates fuel poverty by limiting heating choices.

Woodburning stoves are an important heat sources, especially in the rural areas

It also warned of the damage it caused an industry which employs around 2,000 people in Scotland and contributes £60 million annually to the economy.

In his new direction to local councils issued yesterday, Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan said the decision followed the outcomes of a review which will be implemented by the end of December.

He said: ‘In advance of the legislative amendment and to ensure current concerns on the use of woodburning stoves and bioenergy are addressed promptly and with consistency, I am now issuing a Direction which temporarily disapplies the requirement for the installation of zero direct emissions heating systems to enable applicants to install a bioenergy or peat heating system or appliance.’

The Direction on the building standard states: ‘This Direction permits, for domestic buildings, the installation of bioenergy heating (biofuels and biomass) and peat heating systems. 

It is akin to the position before the NBHS (new build heat standard) came into force on 1 April 2024, where no restrictions were placed on the use of either of these fuel types.’

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 woodburning 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.’