FOI release

Log burner enforcement

Case reference FOI2026/01284

Received 5 August 2026

Published 18 August 2026

Request

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding inspections and enforcement action relating to domestic log burners (wood-burning stoves) within your council area. Please provide the following information for the last five full tax years. Please tell me: The number of complaints received by the council relating to domestic log burners in the period. The number of inspections or investigations carried out by the council relating to domestic log burners or wood-burning stoves. The reasons for these inspections (for example, complaints received, smoke nuisance, planning issues, Clean Air Act matters, or other concerns). The number of cases where the council identified a breach or issue requiring action. Details of the action taken following these inspections, including (where applicable): informal advice or warnings issued; enforcement notices served; fines or penalties issued; prosecutions or other legal action taken; any other remedial action required.

Response

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding inspections and enforcement action relating to domestic log burners (wood-burning stoves) within your council area.

Please provide the following information for the last five full tax years.

Please tell me:
The number of complaints received by the council relating to domestic log burners in the period.

01/04/2021 - 31/03/2022 = 3

01/04/2022 - 31/03/2023 = 1

01/04/2023 - 31/03/2024 = 1

01/04/2024 - 31/03/2025 = 4

01/04/2025 - 31/03/2026 = 6

The number of inspections or investigations carried out by the council relating to domestic log burners or wood-burning stoves.

 

01/04/2021 - 31/03/2022 = 2 Standard Letters Sent 1 No Further Action

01/04/2022 - 31/03/2023 = 1 Standard Letter Sent

01/04/2023 - 31/03/2024 = 1 Verbal Advise Given

01/04/2024 - 31/03/2025 = 3 Verbal Advise Given 1 No Further Action

01/04/2025 - 31/03/2026 = 3 Visits carried out, 1 Standard Letter Sent. 2 No Further Action

The reasons for these inspections (for example, complaints received, smoke nuisance, planning issues, Clean Air Act matters, or other concerns).

 

All of the above numbers were due to complaints from neighbours. or smoke and smells caused by wood burners.

The number of cases where the council identified a breach or issue requiring action.

 

0 for each year.

Details of the action taken following these inspections, including (where applicable):
informal advice or warnings issued; enforcement notices served; fines or penalties issued;
prosecutions or other legal action taken; any other remedial action required.

 

All complaints for the years were all dealt with informally and no warnings or enforcement action was taken.

Documents

There are no documents for this release.

This is Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.