Could our stoves be saved?
Hopes raised SNP’s wood-burner ban will be scrapped after rural backlash
HOPES have been raised that a controversial ban on woodburning stoves in new-build homes may be scrapped after officials said the policy could be reviewed.
The Scottish Government has indicated it is willing to look again at the ‘emergency’ exemption’ criteria in the law.
It comes after a flurry of criticism over how the regulations will impact rural communities, including from former finance secretary Kate Forbes.
The new rules introduced this month ban bio-energy systems, including wood-burning stoves, from being used as the primary heating source in new buildings.
But as the rules came into force there was confusion over the policy, with Ministers insisting wood burners could still be installed in new properties as an ‘emergency heating supply where a need can be justified’.
The ban also applies to conversions of older buildings. Scottish
Tory energy spokesman Douglas Lumsden called the policy the ‘latest example of the SNP-Greens’ ignorance of – and contempt for – rural Scotland’.
He said: ‘Wood is renewable, low-carbon and a vital fuel source for those living in remote parts of Scotland which are not on the National Grid.
‘Yet, as usual, the Central Belt-obsessed SNP-Green Government has ignored the needs of rural Scots by pushing this rash measure.’
The Scottish Government’s 622page technical document published as part of the new regulations said ‘the use of direct emission heating systems is permitted for “emergency heating”.’
But it added: ‘In smaller buildings, including dwellings, there will be little justification to install emergency heating as heat demand on failure of the normal heating system can usually be addressed simply and easily through the use of independent, portable heaters.
‘Portable heaters are not subject to building regulations.’
But portable heaters often use electricity, with those that do rendered useless during power cuts.
The Scottish Government’s technical document, though, insists ‘unexpected interruption of power is rare and... is typically resolved as a matter of priority’.
However, Ms Forbes said: ‘When it comes to a power cut, spiralling energy costs or any other risk to energy security, there is only one solution: put the fire on.’
The MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch wrote in pro-independence newspaper The National at the weekend: ‘A power cut affects every home equally badly, irrespective of when the house was built.
‘The well insulated modern home may last a bit longer, but with several days of power cuts, even they might need to stick a fire on.
‘You’ll be able to spot the newbuilds in a power cut easily – they’ll all be huddled around a big bonfire in the garden trying to stay warm.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Under the standard, wood-burning stoves can still be installed in new homes to provide emergency heating where required. This recognises the unique needs of Scotland’s rural communities.
‘We will continue engaging with local authorities to ensure the regulations are implemented appropriately. This will allow us to identify any need to review elements of the guidance if required.’
‘Contempt for rural Scotland’