Government Confirms Wood Burning Stoves Will Be Allowed in New Homes Under Future Homes Standard

15 April 2025

In a major win for sustainable home heating, the UK Government has confirmed that modern wood burning stoves will be permitted as a secondary heating source in new homes built under the forthcoming Future Homes Standard.

“This is a very positive and pragmatic step from Government. It recognises the role modern wood burning stoves can play in supporting energy resilience and net zero goals, especially when integrated with other renewable systems,” said Andy Dimond, Sales & Marketing Manager at SFL Flues & Chimneys. “As a manufacturer deeply committed to cleaner, more efficient heating technologies, we welcome this positive development and thank all those involved in working to achieve this positive outcome.”

The confirmation came this week in a formal letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), following a joint industry letter led by the Stove Industry Association (SIA). The coalition behind the letter represents over 1,500 businesses and woodland owners across the UK, all calling for modern wood stoves to be recognised as a key part of the UK’s renewable heating future.

The Government’s response, accompanied by a note from Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, acknowledges the important role wood burning can play in reducing emissions—provided the right appliances, fuels, and consumer practices are used.

Significantly, the letter confirms:

“Under the standards proposed in the consultation, a wood burning stove would be permitted as a secondary heating source in new homes.”

This reassurance follows a public consultation on the Future Homes Standard, which closed in March 2024. The new standard aims to ensure that all new homes are “zero carbon ready” and need no retrofitting as the UK’s electricity grid continues to decarbonise.

The industry coalition’s original letter made the case that wood burning stoves offer:

• Cleaner air: Dramatically lower emissions compared to older stoves and open fires.
• Energy resilience: Decentralised heat that doesn’t rely on the grid.
• Support for local economies: Sustainably sourced fuel creates jobs and supports woodland management.
• Consumer choice: A wider range of options for homeowners trying to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Technological innovation: Ongoing improvements in efficiency and emissions control.

Modern wood burning stoves have made huge advances in recent years, burning more cleanly and efficiently than older models or open fires. When paired with sustainably sourced wood fuel, they provide a low-carbon, local, and cost-effective heating option—especially valuable during energy shortages or in rural and off-grid homes.