New rules approved on wood-burning stoves across York
City-wide smoke control area aims to tackle pollution but concerns raised about costs for residents.
New rules governing wood-burning stoves and solid fuels in York have been approved by councillors in a bid to reduce smoke-related health problems.
Under the new city-wide Smoke Control Area, residents will need to use a Government-approved stove or burn authorised smokeless fuel.
The change replaces several existing control orders with a single scheme covering the whole of York. A council report says around 35 per cent of homes burning solid fuel currently sit outside existing control zones.
City of York Council says burning solid fuels is a major contributor to harmful fine particle pollution. Public health estimates suggest pollution contributed to one in every 23 deaths in York in 2023.
Labour councillor Jenny Kent said the changes follow concerns from residents about health impacts, including children developing coughs and breathing problems.
But Liberal Democrat councillor Tony Fisher said the rules could hit older and poorer residents who rely on stoves to heat their homes.
Council officials say the measures are not a ban on wood-burning stoves, but will require people to use compliant appliances or approved fuels.
The new rules are expected to come into force within six months, giving households time to prepare.