Planning Permission for Wood Burning Stoves
What You Need to Know
Adding a wood burning stove to your home creates an unmatched focal point while providing efficient, sustainable heat. The dancing flames and gentle crackle of burning logs can transform any living space into a cozy retreat during the cold winter months. However, before you invest in a beautiful woodburning stove like Charnwood or Contura stoves, it's natural to wonder about the legal requirements surrounding installation, particularly regarding planning permission.
The Good News: Planning Permission Usually Isn't Required
For most homeowners, there's excellent news - installing a wood burning stove typically doesn't require planning permission in the UK. This is because standard stove installations often fall under what's known as "permitted development rights," which allow certain types of improvements to be made without formal planning applications.
However, this general rule comes with some important conditions and exceptions that every homeowner should understand before proceeding with their installation.
Understanding Permitted Development Rights for Stove Installations
When installing a wood burning stove and its associated flue or chimney system, your installation will typically fall under permitted development rights if you meet the following conditions:
Flue Placement Requirements
Front elevation restrictions: Flues should not be installed on the principal elevation (front) of the property if that elevation faces a highway
Height limitations: Any flue installed on the rear or side elevation must not extend more than one meter above the highest part of the roof
Appearance considerations: The flue should be as unobtrusive as possible and finished to match or complement the existing building materials
Property Type Considerations
It's important to note that the permitted development rules apply primarily to houses. Different regulations may apply if your property is:
A flat or maisonette
A conversion created under 'change of use' or 'new dwellings' regulations
Located in an area with additional restrictions
When You Might Need Planning Permission
While most standard installations don't require planning permission, there are several situations where you should consult your local authority before proceeding:
Listed Buildings
If your property is listed, you will likely need Listed Building Consent before making any alterations, including installing a wood burning stove and flue. This is to protect the historical or architectural significance of the building.
Conservation Areas
Properties in designated conservation areas may have additional restrictions regarding external alterations. While internal stove installation wouldn't typically require permission, the external flue might need approval if it would affect the character of the area.
Protected Areas
If your home is located in a National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or other protected designation, there may be stricter rules about external alterations to maintain the special character of the area.
Restrictive Covenants
Some properties have restrictive covenants in their deeds that may limit alterations, regardless of planning rules. Check your property deeds to ensure there are no such restrictions.
Leasehold Properties
If you own a leasehold property, you may need permission from the freeholder before making alterations, even if planning permission isn't required.
Building Regulations: Always Required
While planning permission is often not necessary, compliance with Building Regulations is absolutely essential for all wood burning stove installations. These regulations ensure that your installation is safe, environmentally responsible, and energy-efficient.
Key Building Regulations for stove installations cover:
Fire safety: Ensuring proper distances from combustible materials and appropriate hearth specifications
Ventilation: Providing adequate air supply for combustion
Material requirements: Using appropriate, heat-resistant materials for all components
Flue design: Ensuring proper draft and safe extraction of combustion gases
Carbon monoxide safety: Installing mandatory carbon monoxide detectors
The HETAS Advantage: Simplifying Compliance
The easiest way to ensure your installation meets all necessary building regulations is to use a HETAS registered installer. These professionals have been certified by the Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme as competent to install solid fuel heating appliances.
When you choose a HETAS registered professional to install your woodburning stove, you receive several important benefits:
1. Self-Certification
HETAS installers can self-certify their work, meaning they can confirm compliance with building regulations without requiring additional inspections from your local authority's Building Control department.
2. Official Documentation
Upon completion, your installer will provide you with a HETAS certificate, which serves as proof that your installation meets all relevant building regulations. This certificate is important for insurance purposes and may be requested if you sell your property in the future.
3. Expert Knowledge
HETAS installers understand the specific requirements for different property types and can navigate any potential regulatory complications that might arise during installation.
4. Peace of Mind
Professional installation gives you confidence that your wood burning stove will function safely and efficiently for years to come.
DIY Installation: Possible But Procedurally Complex
While it's legally permissible to install your own wood burning stove, this approach requires significantly more administrative effort and potential expense:
1. Building Control Application
Before beginning work, you must submit an application to your local authority's Building Control department, along with the relevant fee (typically £100-£120, though this varies by location).
2. Inspection Requirements
You will need to arrange for Building Control inspections at various stages of the installation process.
3. Completion Certificate
Once the work is complete, a final inspection must be conducted, after which you'll receive a completion certificate if everything meets the required standards.
4. Insurance Implications
Without proper certification, your home insurance may be invalid, potentially leaving you unprotected in the event of a fire or other incident related to your stove.
Given these complexities and the safety-critical nature of stove installations, we strongly recommend using our professional HETAS-certified installation service.
Smoke Control Areas: Additional Considerations
Many urban and suburban areas in the UK are designated as Smoke Control Areas, where restrictions apply to the emissions from wood burning appliances. In these areas:
You must use an exempt appliance (such as DEFRA-approved stoves) to burn wood legally
Alternatively, you may only burn authorized smokeless fuels in non-exempt appliances
Both Charnwood and Contura offer an excellent range of DEFRA-approved, Ecodesign-Ready stoves that can be used in Smoke Control Areas, allowing you to enjoy a real fire regardless of your location.
Our Recommendation: Ask the Experts
With the various regulations, property-specific considerations, and technical requirements, stove installation can seem daunting. That's why we recommend consulting with our team of experts before proceeding with your purchase.
Our knowledgeable staff can:
Advise on whether your specific property might require planning permission
Recommend the most suitable logburner model for your needs
Explain the installation process and requirements
Provide a comprehensive quote for professional HETAS installation
Conclusion
For most homeowners, installing a wood burning stove doesn't require planning permission, but it does necessitate compliance with Building Regulations. The simplest and most reliable way to ensure your installation meets all legal requirements is to work with a HETAS registered installer.
Whether you're dreaming of a classic Charnwood C-Series stove, a contemporary Contura model or a designer stove our team is here to help you navigate the regulatory landscape and enjoy the unmatched warmth and ambiance that only a real wood fire can provide.
Remember: even though planning permission is rarely required, it's always better to check than to assume. If you're in any doubt about your specific circumstances, contact your local authority or speak to our experienced team who can guide you through the process with ease.
