A flue as part of a biomass heating system
You don't need planning permission to install a stove in your house, but you might need it for the flue. If the stove is part of a biomass heating system, you have permitted development rights depending on the height of the flue, and its position.
You will not need planning permission for a flue as part of a biomass system if the following conditions are met:
- the flue is located on the dwelling house, or on a building containing a flat
- the flue protrudes by 1m or less above the highest part of the roof (excluding any chimney) on which it is attached
- where the building is located within a conservation area, the equipment is not on the principal elevation of your house or flat.
- Your house is not within an Air Quality Management Area.
If your house is within an Air Quality Management Area (opens new window), you will need planning permission for a flue of any size. The council has defined three Air Quality Management Areas; central Broxburn, the whole of Linlithgow and Newton village. Please note that if the stove is not part of a biomass heating system or combined heat and power system, but is simply a stand-alone wood burning stove, other permitted development rights apply.
If you are thinking of installing a stove please think about the position of the flue relative to your neighbours, even if it doesn't need planning permission. The smoke which your flue emits can be annoying for a neighbour and could constitute a statutory nuisance.
Do:
- locate your flue as far as possible from any neighbouring properties;
- ensure good wind dispersion of the fumes; and
- ensure fumes will not settle between properties.
Don't
- locate the flue close to a neighbour's window;
- locate the flue close to a neighbour's garden;
- install if you are upwind (normally West South West) and / or located lower than a close neighbour;
Officers in the council's Environmental Health service would be happy to advise on this.
