Wood-burning stoves to face partial ban in Labour's updated environment plan

"Speaking to the Guardian before the publication of the updated environmental improvement plan (EIP), the environment secretary, Emma Reynolds, said it would boost nature recovery in a number of areas, replacing an EIP under the last government she said was not credible. Reynolds said efforts to restore nature would now take place on a strategic level rather than a previously piecemeal approach, arguing this meant the government's push to build housing and infrastructure could still come with a net gain in habitats."

"One element of the new EIP will see the targets for concentrations of PM2.5 particulate pollutants tightened to match current EU targets, something that was not part of the previous plan, published in 2023 under the Conservatives. According to sources in Reynolds' department, this will involve a consultation on possible measures to reduce PM2.5 pollution, including those from wood-burning stoves and fireplaces."

"The current annual PM2.5 limit is 25ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre), with an aim to meet 10ug/m3 by 2040. The EU's standards are stricter, with a new directive passed last year asking member states to meet 10ug/m3 by 2030. The World Health Organization recommends an annual limit of 5ug/m3. It is understood the EIP will bring the UK's standards in line with the EU, with an aim to eventually meet WHO targets."

The updated environmental improvement plan will boost strategic nature recovery and seek net habitat gains alongside housing and infrastructure development. Targets for PM2.5 particulate pollution will be tightened to match current EU standards, prompting a consultation on measures to reduce PM2.5 from sources including wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Possible actions include tighter smoke control area rules, allowing wood only in approved stoves or burners, effective bans on older appliances, and local prohibitions on wood-burning stoves. Current UK annual PM2.5 limits aim to fall from 25µg/m3 toward 10µg/m3 and eventually align with WHO guidance.

Read at www.theguardian.com