Smoke complaints and bonfires

An increasing number of people are installing wood burning or open fires as an alternative way to heat their homes. If you are thinking of installing a wood burning stove you must make sure it is properly installed and you use the correct fuel to avoid causing a smoke nuisance to your neighbours.

Always ensure that any person installing appliances is accredited. This will make sure that the work is carried out to all appropriate standards. On completion they will issue a building regulations compliance certificate and notify us of the installation. Alternatively, you must apply for Building Regulations approval yourself. 

In England, as of the summer of 2023, it is illegal to burn coal (excluding smokeless coal like anthracite) or wet wood in your home. You can only burn kiln dried logs, dried logs, or smokeless fuels. 

You can report smoke nuisance from a wood burning stove using the online form but you may wish to consider speaking to the person causing the smoke nuisance as this can sometimes resolve the issue more quickly.

If you report the issue to us you may be asked to keep diary sheets showing the frequency and timings of the smoke nuisance.