Green Building Forum - Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:32:25 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237293#Comment_237293 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237293#Comment_237293 Fri, 04 Mar 2016 15:15:30 +0000 Mikeee5 Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237294#Comment_237294 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237294#Comment_237294 Fri, 04 Mar 2016 15:22:09 +0000 SteamyTea Still don't agree to anything until it is proven to work though.]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237296#Comment_237296 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237296#Comment_237296 Fri, 04 Mar 2016 15:32:00 +0000 Mikeee5 ]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237298#Comment_237298 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237298#Comment_237298 Fri, 04 Mar 2016 16:26:41 +0000 torrent99 Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237302#Comment_237302 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237302#Comment_237302 Fri, 04 Mar 2016 18:53:44 +0000 Peter_in_Hungary Posted By: Mikeee5I don't think my solicitor has got the gumption to do much more Peter. I believe he is on a no win no fee arrangement with my insurers and he is wavering the chance of recouping the costs from my neighbours with going down the route of the Tomlin Order. I also think the full technicalities of building regs, Defra exemption etc are beyond him. We're doomed we're doomed !!!
Your solicitor should be looking after your best interests. I would be surprised if he was on a no win no fee - ask him - I rather suspect he is wanting to do the minimum possible to get a result to which you will agree.

By the way DEFRA exemptions, as far as I know do not apply to chimneys. So any mention of compliant stoves or DEFRA exemptions is a smoke screen (sorry pun intended)

Your case looks to be getting towards the end game, don't get put off by anyone trying to close out leaving you no better off than when you started. You have the reports stating the problems, you have a proposed solution. Once your neighbour accepts that the proposed solution should be installed - and does it - he has more or less lost because he will have accepted that he has to do something about the problem. If it works then good, if not then you are in a much stronger position than you are today in the ability to get a proper solution.

As I said above I think you should get your solicitor to put a counter proposal forward and him saying that he doesn't think they will agree to it is no excuse, after all I rather suspect the other sides solicitor doesn't think you will sign the agreement he sent to you, but you have to start somewhere. Put forwards a counter proposal that is good for you and discuss with your solicitor about getting an injunction stopping the used of the stove forcing them to use the gas CH until the chimney issues are resolved.]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237313#Comment_237313 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237313#Comment_237313 Sat, 05 Mar 2016 10:36:06 +0000 renewablejohn
http://www.oekotube.ch/joomla/oekosolve/index.php/en/micro-dust-filters/oekotube-electrofiltre/how-it-works

video of installation looks an ideal solution.

http://www.oekotube.ch/joomla/oekosolve/index.php/en/videosbilder-176/referenzanlagen-oekotube]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237624#Comment_237624 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237624#Comment_237624 Sat, 12 Mar 2016 18:03:11 +0000 Greenlady
I've been following this saga for years with great interest as I'm suffering similar problems from emissions from a log burner, toxic bonfires ( stuff they can't burn indoors ) and a council paying lip service to my complaint. I'm sorry I can't offer you any advice but I 've joined this site to let you know I'm "rooting" for you and I 'm sure many other readers are too.]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237677#Comment_237677 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237677#Comment_237677 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 10:41:31 +0000 Mikeee5
Mikeee5]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237710#Comment_237710 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237710#Comment_237710 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 21:16:18 +0000 Greenlady
Your correct , I 've digested most of the threads as I 've been following for the past 3 years & the knowledge shared by fellow members has been tremendous.. I'm not keen to go to court as we are hoping to sell the house in a couple of years whereas the "know it all's " will probably be here for decades raising their brood.

I have thought of wearing an air filter type mask whilst I do the gardening .... at least other neighbours will eventually ask why ( or call the men with van & white coats) & then I can engage them in conversation about it , strength in numbers and all that ..... On a serious note I would be grateful if yourself or other members could should some light on this.... The original house bricks ( 40 years old at least ) on the gable end ( was a single storey garage, now the first floor has been constructed from grey thermal blocks and due to be rendered to match the rest of the house )which is directly opposite their wall from which the pipe runs up the to the roofline have a developed a white bloom . I've not scraped it off yet for closer examination although I'm considering sending it to a lab for testing and I can't be sure it's not happening at first floor height however it 's only appeared over winter and I'm wondering if it's caused by the emissions from the burnt wood?]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237711#Comment_237711 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=237711#Comment_237711 Mon, 14 Mar 2016 21:29:37 +0000 tony Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238601#Comment_238601 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238601#Comment_238601 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 17:41:53 +0100 Mikeee5
Cheers

Mikeee5]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238602#Comment_238602 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238602#Comment_238602 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 17:58:41 +0100 MarkyP
basically, with luck and planning consent granted first time, 2 - 3 months. With a refusal and appeal, 6 - 12 months, maybe more.]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238603#Comment_238603 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238603#Comment_238603 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:00:53 +0100 MarkyP Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238604#Comment_238604 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238604#Comment_238604 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:13:04 +0100 Mikeee5 Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238605#Comment_238605 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238605#Comment_238605 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:27:51 +0100 MarkyP Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238606#Comment_238606 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238606#Comment_238606 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:39:22 +0100 Mikeee5 Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238607#Comment_238607 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238607#Comment_238607 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:50:24 +0100 tony Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238613#Comment_238613 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238613#Comment_238613 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 20:31:58 +0100 Peter_in_Hungary
I suspect that you will have to batter your solicitor about the ears to get him to progress the order but he should do it as he is supposed to be looking after your interests.]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238664#Comment_238664 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238664#Comment_238664 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 18:14:48 +0100 CWatters Posted By: Mikeee5Good points Mark. We've looked on the planning applications online and its not been entered as yet.

In our area planning applications are validated in about a 7-10 days and appear online within about 12-14 days. However it can vary a lot in different parts of the country.

If it's been much longer than that I would contact the planners to ask if they have received an application.]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238801#Comment_238801 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238801#Comment_238801 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 10:01:06 +0100 Mikeee5 Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238807#Comment_238807 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238807#Comment_238807 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 11:20:45 +0100 Peter_in_Hungary Your solicitor can ask but it may need a court injunction to force them to stop.
Your solicitor should be asking them to stop as of receipt of his letter or else court proceedings will be started without further notice - and then proceedings should be commenced immediately if / when they pollute again.]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238811#Comment_238811 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238811#Comment_238811 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 11:48:05 +0100 tony Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238824#Comment_238824 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238824#Comment_238824 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 17:53:20 +0100 gyrogear Posted By: Mikeee5Part of the agreement is for them to use dry logs

Mikee, you are being very generous with them :confused:

it looks like they mis-read it, and therefore think "the agreement allows them to use part-dried logs..."

or something...

(I use dry logs, and I can assure you, they do *NOT* smoke !)

gg]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238840#Comment_238840 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238840#Comment_238840 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 11:44:55 +0100 Mikeee5 Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238843#Comment_238843 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238843#Comment_238843 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 14:05:34 +0100 Gotanewlife No obvious smoke doesn't equal no smoke!
Smoke is dangerous, whether you can see it or not!!
Posted By: Mikeee5a solution for the "defective" chimney, but it's only going to be successful if they operate the stove without creating too much smoke

Is a really silly thing to say - sorry but that's just the way it is.]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238844#Comment_238844 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238844#Comment_238844 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:28:03 +0100 Peter_in_Hungary
Without the thick smoke being visible you would have a very hard job convincing anyone there was a chimney problem so from that point of view your neighbour has scored an own goal by burning wood that produces visible smoke. Don't try to force your neighbour to burn wood that produces no visible smoke, its much easier to see the products of combustion being carried away (by use of an effective chimney) when you can see the smoke !!

I'm not sure that talking to your expert again would achieve much. He has seen the problem and reported on it, further inspections won't add much to the situation until the neighbour is told to stop by a higher authority e.g. the court. So IMO get your solicitor to write the letter telling him to stop using the stove until the chimney is extended otherwise court action will ensue.]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238876#Comment_238876 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=238876#Comment_238876 Fri, 15 Apr 2016 20:50:59 +0100 renewablejohn Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=239339#Comment_239339 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=239339#Comment_239339 Sat, 23 Apr 2016 11:07:47 +0100 Waddler
We are in the same situation with a neighbour's smoke. Their smoke never seems to go away, most of the time it comes horizontal out of the chimney then drops straight to the ground. If the wind is in our direction it comes straight over to us hits our house and then sits in our garden comes into our kitchen and conservatory, we can't even sit out on the patio at times because the smoke is so strong it burns the back of your throat.

There is a height difference in houses, our house is 4 storey and on a slightly higher level to the neighbour, their chimney is about the height of our downstairs windows, so our house is a huge barrier for the smoke to hit, there are also alot or large 15+ metre high trees around, the pressure seems to be downwards that the smoke never leaves the area.

We have a neighbour who has the attitude of 'I'll do what I want and I don't care if affects you'. Unfortunately there are no other properties around it is just us against him.

The problem has been going on for 2 years so far, the first year we did not say anything and hoped that he would look into the problem as he said that he was having draw issues with his chimneys. The second year reported it to env health, who took nearly 6 months to send a diary, eventually they wrote him a letter to inform him of the complaint and asked him if he was burning the correct fuel. The neighbour changed the cowl on the chimney which has made no difference at all. Just complained to Env health again as the smell has become really acrid, even standing in our garden for a few mins gave a burning sensation at the back of your throat. Env Health don't seem to want to know, he said unless he can see the smoke particles coming in our house through the windows he can not put it down as a complaint, does not matter that we can not sit in our conservatory, patio area or kitchen with the acrid smell of the smoke. The other problem we have is that every time we phone him to say it is happening, he can't make it out or turns up 4 hours later when it has died down.

The neighbours have a woodburning cooker that is connected to a thermal store so we don't even get a break in the summer as it is going all the time, sometimes from 8am to 10pm. What makes it worse is that the summer is coming up and you want to open your windows but you know your house is going to get full of smoke.

I'm still reading through the whole of the thread, but we can't live like this and we could never sell the house with this problem so we're digging our heels in and going to fight to get it sorted out, I know it is going to be a long hard slog.]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=239342#Comment_239342 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=239342#Comment_239342 Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:25:47 +0100 djh Posted By: Waddleram so glad I have found this forum, I was starting to give up hope.

We are in the same situation with a neighbour's smoke.
Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear you have a similar problem. Can I suggest that you start your own thread rather than 'hijacking' this one, so we can concentrate on and respond to the separate problems more easily?]]> Smoke Nuisance – is wood wood? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=239352#Comment_239352 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9305&Focus=239352#Comment_239352 Sat, 23 Apr 2016 20:19:07 +0100 Waddler
Have put it under - Smoke nuisance from neighbours chimney in heating and cooling category.

Have read this thread and this has given me some great information to get started.]]>