Government gives green light for wood burners

Supporters of modern wood-burning stoves across Devon are celebrating a major policy development, as the Government has confirmed that these low-emission appliances will remain permitted in new homes under the forthcoming Future Homes Standard. The announcement follows a powerful joint letter co-ordinated by the Stove Industry Association (SIA) and backed by over 1,500 businesses and woodland owners, including many from the South West.

The letter, sent in February to multiple government departments including the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), advocated for the inclusion of modern wood-burning stoves as a renewable and efficient secondary heating source. The signatories argued that, when used responsibly, modern stoves help reduce carbon emissions, support rural economies, and alleviate strain on the national energy grid — all of which align with the government’s broader environmental and energy goals.

In its official response, the MHCLG stated: “Under the standards proposed in the consultation, a wood burning stove would be permitted as a secondary heating source in new homes… The Government acknowledges that it is possible to significantly reduce the level of smoke emitted through domestic burning if the right fuels, appliances and practices are used.”

This confirmation comes as a relief to many rural communities in Devon, where local wood fuel, forestry businesses, and householders rely on modern stoves not only for warmth but as a vital part of the low-carbon transition.

Andy Hill, Chair of the SIA, welcomed the decision: “We are delighted that it has been officially confirmed that under the proposed Future Homes Standard, the installation of a wood burning stove will be permitted and we are also particularly heartened to see that government acknowledges the impact of domestic burning best practices. Responsible use of modern wood burning appliances is something the SIA and its members have advocated for over many years.” 

“The SIA welcomes the government's positive response and looks forward to continued engagement as policies are developed and implemented. We believe that modern wood burning stoves can play a crucial role in achieving cleaner air, supporting local economies, and providing consumers with sustainable and flexible heating choices.”

With much of Devon being rural and off-grid, households here are particularly vulnerable to rising energy costs and limitations of the national electricity infrastructure. Modern Ecodesign-compliant stoves, which burn wood more efficiently and with far fewer emissions than traditional open fires, provide a vital source of local, renewable heating.

The SIA’s letter also highlighted the important role stoves play in:

• Reducing PM2.5 emissions, a key factor in air quality.

• Supporting local economies, particularly forestry and fuel suppliers.

• Enhancing energy resilience, especially during cold snaps or power outages.

In Devon, where woodlands make up around 12% of the land area and support thousands of jobs, this policy direction supports both environmental and economic sustainability.

The SIA and industry experts recommend that residents:

• Choose Ecodesign-compliant stoves (e.g., clearSkies certified).

• Use Ready to Burn certified fuel with low moisture content.

• Have their stove installed and serviced by qualified professionals (HETAS or OFTEC registered).

• Ensure regular chimney maintenance with an NVQ-qualified sweep.

For those living in Smoke Control Areas, only Defra-exempt models should be used; most clearSkies Level 3 or above models meet this standard.

The Future Homes Standard, part of the Government’s net zero strategy, aims to make new homes zero carbon-ready by ensuring they require no future retrofitting as the electricity grid decarbonises. The inclusion of modern wood stoves acknowledges their role as a complementary solution alongside technologies like heat pumps and solar panels.

With the Government now formally recognising modern wood stoves as a viable and responsible energy option, rural regions like Devon are poised to continue leading the way in sustainable, community-driven heating solutions.

For more information about the Stove Industry Association and clean heating practices, visit: www.stoveindustryassociation.org

To find out more about government guidance on home heating and the Future Homes Standard, visit: gov.uk/future-homes-standard