Scottish Government set to U-turn on wood burning stoves ban in new build homes
The Scottish Government has performed a U-turn on the ban on wood burning stoves in new-build properties following a public outcry at the policy that was brought in under the SNP-Greens coalition.
Last month, it emerged that solid fuel and wood burning stoves were no longer permitted in newbuild construction – including as a back-up secondary heat source during power cuts – due to updated building guidelines.
The move brought in as a result of the Bute House Agreement united Highland MSPs across the political spectrum including Kate Forbes who became Deputy First Minister as well as others like Rhoda Grant and Jamie Halcro Johnston.
Earlier today energy minister Gillian Martin told the Holyrood chamber that she had initiated a review of the guidance with the intention to adapt them, referring to the need to ensure resilience during power cuts, to respect rural communities and to relieve fuel poverty.
Ms Forbes said: “I am delighted that the Energy Minister has committed to adapting the regulations on wood burning stoves. These regulations restricted wood burning stoves in new builds, introduced through the Bute House Agreement, in April.
“Gillian Martin became responsible for this policy in the last few weeks and has listened carefully to people in rural Scotland. I also welcome her acknowledgement that the previous guidance raised significant issues around resilience during power cuts, as well as inflexibility for rural areas like my own constituency.
“This announcement is excellent news and I’m grateful to everybody who got in touch with me expressing concerns about what was essentially a ban on installing wood stoves in new builds.
“I am very impressed with how quickly Gillian Martin has listened, grasped the issues and responded. We promised to be a party and a Government for all of Scotland - and this decision is evidence that we mean it.
“This Scottish Government, led by John Swinney who represents rural Perthshire, with my support as MSP for the Highlands, fully understands the priorities, concerns and ambitions of rural communities and we will do everything we can to support communities.”
Jamie Halcro Johnston said following the U-turn on the wood-burning stoves ban that “under pressure from the Scottish Conservatives and industry, the SNP have been forced into a review of their damaging and dangerous ban on wood-burning stoves.
“As well as leaving communities and families at risk when power is lost, these new regulations, brought in less than 2 months ago, are already impacting on the industry with sales down and jobs at risk.
“While this review is welcome, it is important to be clear that a review isn’t a reversal, and I will be keeping up the pressure on Scottish ministers. That starts with my debate in the Scottish Parliament tomorrow.
“This is a welcome victory today and an embarrassing u-turn for the SNP. But we won’t drop our campaign until the SNP’s ban on wood-burners is dropped altogether”.