Log burner users in parts of county face being fined

RESIDENTS using log burners to heat their homes in parts of South Gloucestershire face new fines of up to £300.

Council leaders approved the introduction of financial penalties in the district’s smoke control area but insisted it was not a blanket ban on domestic solid fuel, fires or stoves.

South Gloucestershire Council has been given new legal powers to issue the fines, which aim to improve air quality by reducing harmful pollution called particulate matter, or PM2.5.

This is emitted from burning wood and can cause serious health problems.

It follows a similar decision by Bristol City Council last September, whose leaders later branded the policy a “bit of a joke” and lacking teeth because the Government was providing no money for enforcement.

A report to South Gloucestershire Council cabinet on Monday said: “Enforcement action will not be necessary if authorised fuels or a

Defra-approved appliance are used but may apply to a small number of solid fuel appliances especially if operated in a way that does not comply with the regulations.

“This is not a complete ban on burning fuels or of fires, burners or stoves but aimed at ensuring fuels and devices are used more efficiently.

“Smoke from outdoor burning is not covered by smoke control area rules.

“This therefore excludes from enforcement action barbecues, chimineas, pizza ovens and bonfires which are outside and not in a building.”

The smoke control area covers a large area south of the M4 between the M5 and M32.

The report said a written warning would be sent first to residents breaking the rules, followed by a second warning if smoke was seen again coming from a chimney and then a final notice with a fine of £175 for a first offence and £300 if it happens again.