THE Scottish Government has U-turned on a ban on wood-burning stoves in new-build homes.
On Thursday, Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan sent letters to the chief executives of all Scotland’s local authorities announcing that the ban had been lifted with immediate effect.
On April 1, 2024, new building regulations came into force in Scotland “banning the use of polluting heating systems such as oil and gas boilers, and bioenergy – including wood-burning stoves” in new homes, as the Scottish Government explained.
The regulations aimed to ensure that newly built homes in Scotland used “climate-friendly alternatives like heat pumps and heat networks”.
However, the new rules were met with backlash from rural communities. Kate Forbes, now the Deputy First Minister, called for the SNP government to urgently clarify the new regulations.
In response, in late May the Scottish Government said that the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) – which included the ban on wood-burning stoves – would be subject to review.
In his letter on Thursday, Allan said: “The review is now concluding and we will implement the outcome of this by the end of December 2024. The review examined the role of both wood-burning stoves and bioenergy systems more widely, as well as peat.
“In advance of the legislative amendment and to ensure current concerns on the use of wood-burning 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.”
Magnus Davidson, a research associate at the University of Highlands and Islands’ Environmental Research Institute, said: “This is good news and very interesting recognition for those living closely with peatlands.
“Another showcase of rural communities achieving positive changes to poorly thought out policy from the Edinburgh parliament.”
Andy Hill, the chair of the Stove Industry Association, 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 wood burning 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.”
Scottish Tory MSP Murdo Fraser claimed it was “good to see this screeching u-turn after weeks of @ScotTories pressure”.
