First fine issued for illegal use of log burners

Wakefield Council investigated 216 complaints related to domestic chimneys between 2019 and 2022

A council in West Yorkshire has started imposing fines in a bid to clamp down on the illegal use of domestic log burners.

Wakefield Council brought in new measures in December to allow environmental health officers to issue fixed penalty notices to stop “excessive smoke emissions”.

It came after a rise in complaints about chimney smoke from solid fuel appliances.

Jack Hemingway, cabinet member for the environment and climate change, confirmed the first penalty issued under the new powers saw a stove owner fined £175.

'Blight on communities'

Mr Hemingway said: “Ultimately the powers will only be utilised following a verbal discussion and written warning.

“There is also a full appeals process, but it is necessary to have stronger powers for repeat offenders blighting our communities.

“The new notices will help to end this nuisance behaviour which emits harmful particles and will improve air quality and public health in the district.”

A report by Mr Hemingway will be discussed at a full council meeting on Wednesday, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Figures show the council investigated 216 complaints related to domestic chimneys between 2019 and 2022.

Under the new powers, part of the Environment Act 2021, fines start at £175, rising to £300.

Continued offending can lead to prosecution.

The measures are also designed to make it easier to prosecute sellers of prohibited solid fuels and providers of appliances that are not approved by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

The report said: “Whilst the adverse health impacts of smoke emissions are generally accepted, wood burners are perceived to be an environmentally friendly method of heating.

“Many people don’t realise that using a log burner can triple the level of harmful pollution inside the home and an open fire can produce 10 times as much pollution.

“Awareness of the exposure that takes place in the home is currently very low.”

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].