Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Patternmaker on November 07, 2010, 12:42:09 pm

Title: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Patternmaker on November 07, 2010, 12:42:09 pm
What are your views on wood burning stoves, two houses just up the road  have had them installed, unfortunately with a prevailing wind our garden is completely consumed by the smoke from these stoves, we cant hang out washing and have to shut all our windows and doors, I have mentioned this to the neighbours concerned, they said they have been installed within the current regulations and this is not a smoke free zone.
Having looked up the regulations for installation I could see why we have the smoke problem, the chimney should terminate at ridge level, both these chimneys are at eves level, I pointed this out to them, basically their answer was, Tough!
Other neighbours have also complained about the smoke from these stoves.

There are also regulations on what you can burn on these stoves, now we get chainsaws going everyday cutting up everything and anything that will burn.

I am all for saving money on heating costs, but with the initial cost of the stove, installation and unless it is connected to your original heating system, how long would it take to recoup the costs
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Colin Bishop on November 07, 2010, 12:46:36 pm
Check with the Building Control Officer at your local council.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: essex2visuvesi on November 07, 2010, 01:21:29 pm
most houses in Finland are fitted with woodburning stoves and fireplaces and we wouldn't be without ours

As our wood comes from our own land we basically have free heating (minus petrol for chainsaw, tractor etc)
Cost wise they are not cheap so if you are paying for logs and for them to be delivered then I cant see how it would be cost effective in the short term.

We have strict guidelines here on what can and can't be burned with random checks involving the analysis of a soot sample from inside the chimney.  With big fines if you are caught burning the wrong thing
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Wasyl on November 07, 2010, 01:37:00 pm
I have a woodburning stove,8kw,which also heats our water for washing only,for our central heating we have calor gas,
the woodburner is only cost effective because we get our wood for nothing,..i.e.hard wood logs from local tree surgeon and felled Elms that were diseased,...but if we were to be paying for the wood,then it would be a very expensive way of heating the house,
As for the exit height of the flue or chimney,..this has to be above the ridge line of the house, to ensure that the smoke is dispersed by the wind/updraught,if it is lower then it is against building regs,...so,as Colin says,get in touch with building control at your local council ..i,m sure they,ll be happy to help,

Wullie
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: madrob on November 07, 2010, 02:06:59 pm
I have a log burning stove, in the room its in its the only form of heating.and it costs a fortune to run, if i buy the small bags of logs like you see at garages it doesn't even last a day.
i buy wood by the pallet from a local guy, the pallet fills a 8ft x 6 ft shed and is gone in 6 weeks.......i mixed in a little coke last year which seems to slow it down at bit
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: dreadnought72 on November 07, 2010, 02:34:04 pm
I had a giant Jotul stove in my last house - a beautiful thing. Logs cost me around £40/£60 a tonne (this was in Central Scotland near vast amounts of woodland) and it was way cheaper than the off-mains gas that was the alternative heating supply. It was difficult to burn more than about 30kg of logs a day on it. £2/£3 a day for a toasty house during the winter felt like an absolute bargain to me.

Andy, now stuck on mains gas.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Patternmaker on November 07, 2010, 02:52:43 pm
Check with the Building Control Officer at your local council.

I have already been down this route Colin, I was told because the stoves have been installed in extensions with a flat roofs  away from the main house The regulations for flue height do not apply.

I also contacted environmental health department given a form to fill in of dates and times of the problem for a 1 month period, I suggested that they come and see the problem for themselves, No must complete the form before any action can be considered, I then suggested what they could do with the form.

Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: mike_victoriabc on November 07, 2010, 03:14:00 pm
I would guess that the wood they are burning isn't dry. Dry wood and the adjustment set correctly on the chimney - should be clean out of the chimney. Perhaps a gentlle nudge on their burning technique might help.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Wasyl on November 07, 2010, 03:39:40 pm
Judging from what you said,about their responce,to your last encounter with them,..I doubt if a gentle nudge would have any effect,.maybe if the nudge was with a log,then perhaps they,d see sense,....as for the council,they are wanting you to keep a log of all the smoke ..days.that you encounter,...they might even offer you a sensor that records the levels of smoke that is being ejected into the atmosphere....just a thought,if you live in the city or suburbs,then it is more than likely that you are in a smoke-free zone,...if you arein a rural location,then its different

Wullie,
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Patternmaker on November 07, 2010, 03:50:01 pm
Wullie, unfortunately for some reason our area is not a smoke free zone, other areas close to us are, with the councils attitude and lack of funds because of their travel expenses I don't think they would offer a sensor.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: oldiron on November 07, 2010, 04:37:50 pm
  You may find this web site of assistance with regard to wood burning stoves: http://www.woodheat.org/chimneys/chimneys.htm

  The chimney should be above the roof line. The reasons are indicated in the web site.
 

John
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Colin Bishop on November 07, 2010, 04:48:51 pm
But, as Patternmaker has said, they are above the roofline of the extension in which they are mounted and far enough away from the main house for the main house roof height not to apply. I would imagine that to cure the problem the existing flues would have to be extended with guy wires etc. which I don't suppose the owners want to do. It seems as if the only hope is that the stoves become too expensive to run.

Otherwise, wait until they are on holiday and squirt some expanding foam down the flue....
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: gondolier88 on November 07, 2010, 04:53:33 pm
Hi Mick,

You may want to check, but in gas insatllations with condensing boilers we always have to make sure the flues are terminated the regulation distances from and flammable object and opening, however, just as important is the 'nuisance factor' with the pluming from condensing boilers, if a neighbour complained we'd have to BY LAW move the termination somewhere else suitable, unless this was impossible, in which case we'd have to look to other alternatives.

Gas installations have far more reg's governing them, but I just wonder whether the nuisance factor governs solid fuel install's too- HETAS (the solid fuel equivalent of Gas Safe/Corgi) are the people you need to ask, and if you got the names of the installers, who will most likely be members of HETAS, then you may just get somewhere.

Greg
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: boatmadman on November 07, 2010, 05:43:11 pm
If its any consolation to you, if they are using any and every bit of wood they can get there hands on, they are storing up a problem for themselves. Wood burner flues need to be run at sufficient temperature to prevent condensation and deposit of tars, which ultimately can lead to flue fires. In fact, there is a recommendation that these fires should be run at full output for 1 - 2 hours a day to minimise tar build up.

Stovax specifically state not to use pallet wood or similar due to preservatives that have been used, which can deposit as I said above and lead to problems.

I have a Stovax multifuel burner and we love it. We use a mix of coal and wood, most of the wood comes from my garden, or friends so it helps costs.

I am now looking to try compressed wood blocks as they have 1.5 to 2 times the heat content of logs, and come in at less than 10% moisture.

Ian
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: StarLocAdhesives/FiveStar on November 07, 2010, 05:48:39 pm
Ive just bought a house in eastern europe , everyone has woodpowered heating, cooking etc here as the electricity goes off for days on end quite often , you cant notice the smoke much at all.

Ive just had 20 cubic meters of wood delivered, mainly oak its now stacked up to dry ,it was delivered in september , it wont be any good till at least next winter , it doesnt smoke much once dry, once the wood is stacked for a couple of years before its burnt, if you burn it wet it stinks and smokes everywhere,

Its a good job im not living here over the winter as im not paying for dry wood at 10 times the price of just chopped, and it gets down to -25C here the bills would be rediculous

But back in the UK..... the gits over the road burn all sorts of rubbish on the fire, usualy pallets..... and i can stink it in the house it blows everywhere round the road, we are in a smoke free area!
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Jonty on November 07, 2010, 06:43:15 pm
  Fine in a place like France where there's a plentiful supply of hardwood at sensible prices, not so good here. Softwood, wet or dry, is dead loss. It has little calorific value and, as already mentioned, clarts up the flue.

  In happier days, I spent a month in Pahalgam in Kashmir where they burned deodar pine on the stoves in the guest house. It smelled wonderful, but they had to dismantle the flues every couple of weeks to knock out an inch thick layer of resin.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Patternmaker on November 08, 2010, 02:14:39 pm
Hi Mick,

You may want to check, but in gas insatllations with condensing boilers we always have to make sure the flues are terminated the regulation distances from and flammable object and opening, however, just as important is the 'nuisance factor' with the pluming from condensing boilers, if a neighbour complained we'd have to BY LAW move the termination somewhere else suitable, unless this was impossible, in which case we'd have to look to other alternatives.

Gas installations have far more reg's governing them, but I just wonder whether the nuisance factor governs solid fuel install's too- HETAS (the solid fuel equivalent of Gas Safe/Corgi) are the people you need to ask, and if you got the names of the installers, who will most likely be members of HETAS, then you may just get somewhere.

Greg

Greg, I know this is off topic this is my experience of Corgi/ Gas safe fitters After getting several quotes I had a new condensing boiler fitted 3 years ago By a reputable Corgi registered company.
White van man arrived on the day, when he opened the doors I could not believe what I saw, all his tools and fittings were strewn all over the floor of his van, thinking this is not a good  Oman. The fitter left my house in a filthy state, tripped the electric 5 times and blew up my digital room thermostat, I had to show him how to wire a new one, I asked him he had a part P certificate, he didn't know what it was, I had to remind him to bleed and balance the radiators and put additive in the storage tank as per quote. the last straw for me was next morning I smelt gas, immediately turned it off called the gas company the engineer found one of the connections from the boiler was only hand tight, I asked him to give me a written report
which I passed on to Corgi with notes of all the other problems with the installation, they immediately withdrew the companies Certificate.
What concerned me was if this had happened to an old couple not realising what the consequences could have been. 




My thanks to Wullie for his valuable information, much appreciated

Mick













Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: dodgy geezer on November 08, 2010, 04:23:50 pm
If the installation has been made in accordance with appropriate building regs etc, then you won't get very far complaining through the Building Control Officer and trying to apply regulations.

However, you can certainly complain about nuisance and smoke in general. Nuisance from smoke emanating from premises is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. I would address your complaint to the Public Health section of the council rather than the planning officials, because so long as the planning regs are satisfied the planning department will be happy.

Smoke nuisance is usually the way that neighbours who have frequent bonfires are addressed. The issue will usually devolve on how frequent the bonfires are, since if the Public Health Team is to take action against offenders they must be satisfied of a nuisance in law. For example, the bonfire must significantly interfere with the enjoyment of your garden or house.  This may occur if you regularly need to close doors and windows or are regularly prevented from spending time in the garden. Occasional bonfires are usually considered to be acceptable.

In your case the frequency seems to be easily provable, since a wood-burning stove is intended for regular use. Your neighbour's defence will be that the installation complies with appropriate regulations, but I do not think that this trumps a public health issue. However, that will be a matter for discussion between the relevant council departments....



   
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: dreadnought72 on November 08, 2010, 04:43:47 pm
Useful information, DG.

As a resident living about three miles from the largest landfill in Scotland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greengairs_Landfill), possible the UK and maybe even Europe, we - if the wind's blowing the wrong way - someimes find the atmosphere caustically miasmic.  :((

I'll look into the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Andy <cough> <peg on nose>
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: pugwash on November 08, 2010, 05:43:39 pm
Andy, That is no way to describe Glasgow!!!
Geoff
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Wasyl on November 08, 2010, 06:49:50 pm
I can think of many other ways to describe the former "City of Culture".....but then i,d probably get banned, {-)...so I,ll just get back on topic,

with these dark nights Mick it will be lot easier for you to detect any unburnt material,....therefore keeping a Log,no pun intended,will be a lot easier

Wullie
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: polaris on November 08, 2010, 07:44:03 pm

Dear Paternmaker,

One thing that is pertinent is that if they are burning 'all sorts of wood', is that if they are burning treated wood ('preserved wood'), the smoke/vapor/fumes will contain various concentrations of arsenic, etc.. Treated wood should not be burnt - v.partic. in the circs. you advise.

Regards, Bernard
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: dreadnought72 on November 08, 2010, 08:31:17 pm
I was speaking to a fencer not so long ago who said that arsenic (in the form of CCA) had been illegal in treated wood for some years.

Andy
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Colin H on November 08, 2010, 10:26:50 pm


Andy,

You correct about treated wood, however no one knows how old the wood that is being burnt is.


Bit like lead pipe for plumbing, been banned for years on potable water. But still miles of it in situ delivering potable water to thousands of homes.


Colin H.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Wasyl on November 08, 2010, 10:40:42 pm
you,d be amazed at how much lead there is in old painted wood that ends up as kindling, and not forgetting the odd pair of Doc Martins,...milk cartons, plastic and any other house hold rubbish that will burn,...especially if you live in an area where there is a levy on extra black bags ,that have inadvertantly been put out with the sole wheelis bin,....if it looks like it,ll burn ,then in it goes,

Wullie
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: polaris on November 10, 2010, 12:28:19 am

Dear All,

Whilst all that has been said about lead pipe matters and old/past wood treatments certainly and indeed holds true, I have reason to believe that still - and until such time as the Environ. Agency Regs. might prove to contradict - any treated timber may not be burnt unless in a controlled and proper manner due to the chemicals involved. I cite a case where the EA recently stopped the burning of waste 'wood' on a building site. Nothing to do with me I hasily add... we always properly skip all our waste away. Can't afford to do otherwise these days... even at £160 per tonne... little wonder why some fly tip though isn't it?

Regards, Bernard
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Patternmaker on November 10, 2010, 03:08:04 pm
Lucky today the wind is from the north, just missed getting a photo of the black smoke, the top of the flue terminates about 10ft below the ridge, the road and houses opposite got it all today. Other neighbours are complaining but not to the people responsible, I suggested that we all approached them, but as usual they don't want to get involved. Gutless wonders springs to mind.

Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: dreadnought72 on November 10, 2010, 03:21:50 pm
I suggested that we all approached them...

Yeah!

Like this?

(http://www.boston.com/sports/columnists/pierce/800px-simpsons_angry_mob.png)

Andy
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: gondolier88 on November 10, 2010, 05:22:21 pm
 {-) {-) {-) Look at the state of the top of their flue- it will soon be locked and they will have to get it swept, once theyv'e done this a few times they will start burning seasoned firewood!!!!!

Greg
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: gondolier88 on November 10, 2010, 05:22:27 pm
 {-) {-) {-) Look at the state of the top of their flue- it will soon be locked and they will have to get it swept, once theyv'e done this a few times they will start burning seasoned firewood!!!!!

Greg
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: essex2visuvesi on November 10, 2010, 06:19:18 pm
{-) {-) {-) Look at the state of the top of their flue- it will soon be locked and they will have to get it swept, once theyv'e done this a few times they will start burning seasoned firewood!!!!!

Greg

I think maybe they have been burning old tyres
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Colin H on November 10, 2010, 10:27:56 pm


Bernard,

I certainly did not wish to gain say you and having read my post again I can see I caused the confusion. :embarrassed: :embarrassed:


I was trying rather clumsily to point out that no one in the area knows how old or what type of wood is being burnt and therefore should take great care.

The reference to lead pipe was allthough it is banned it is still there and in use just as our friends could be burning treated timber.

One of my clients is a large timber mill (very handy at times). Their saw dust is collected and taken away for reuse. It as to be certified as untreated and all loads are logged.

Colin H.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: brianB6 on November 10, 2010, 11:21:46 pm
From Downunder
We could not do without our Coonarra stove.   We had 3 large gum trees blown down in the last storm and they will come in very handy next winter. :-))
Chopping wood is very good for the muscles, even using a chain saw %%
I am so glad my daughter knows how to use it {-)
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Umi_Ryuzuki on November 10, 2010, 11:40:31 pm
Lucky today the wind is from the north, just missed getting a photo of the black smoke, the top of the flue terminates about 10ft below the ridge, the road and houses opposite got it all today. Other neighbours are complaining but not to the people responsible, I suggested that we all approached them, but as usual they don't want to get involved. Gutless wonders springs to mind.



Rule of thumb, is that the height of the flue opening should be 2'-0" (610mm) higher than
 any part of building within 10'-0" (3048mm) horizontal radius.

So if the ridge is more than 10 feet away from the chimney, then can be lower than the ridge...
If the ridge is as close as 9'-11 7/8", then the chimney would need to be 2 feet higher than the ridge of the adjacent structure.

.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Circlip on November 11, 2010, 10:55:49 am
Hasn't been as bad this year, but the new hobby (To Brits) of burning food in the garden has the same effect. Causes an increase in food poisoning  records in the casualty departments too :-))

  Regards  Ian
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: polaris on November 11, 2010, 11:16:14 am

Dear Colin,

No, I don't think you said anything clumsily at all, just as it is, and I think you are perfectly correct in assuming that if it looks anything like wood they will burn it without a seconds thought. With black smoke issuing from time to time we all know they must be burning 'other things' as well (maybe mixing cheap as chips coal also + whatever else), so, and as someone else has said, if it looks as if it will burn they will simply throw it in.

Always a difficult problem anything re neighbours who are not quite as considerate as they could be. As you will know anyway, I suppose the best first move would be to ask your local Council's Enviro. Health Dept. Officer 'what is what'? Whether they would have a look themselves or suggest passing on to the EA I don't know. The Planning Enforcement Officer and maybe Building Control will probably only have issue if the whole chimney is a new addition, and it does not comply to whatever Regs. apply to your area and the type of prop. it is part of - very partic. the height of the thing... it doesn't sound right.

The Enviro. Agency will look into such things if they consider the matter a persistent nuisance/possible breach of Regs., and, due to the Freedom of Info. Act, are restricted in divulging how any matter has been brought to their attention. They definitely don't take kindly to people operating gnrl. incinerators in Urban areas!

I hope this matter sorts itself out soon for you.

Regards, Bernard
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: dodgy geezer on November 11, 2010, 12:24:22 pm


I also contacted environmental health department given a form to fill in of dates and times of the problem for a 1 month period, I suggested that they come and see the problem for themselves, No must complete the form before any action can be considered, I then suggested what they could do with the form.



I do not think that Environmental Health can justify spending your money on an investigation without some degree of certainty that there is a regular issue, rather than a one-off problem. They may need to plan to send someone out, and would obviously like to do that when there is a good chance of observing the smoke. So a 4-week history of emissions will be very useful to them, and if you cannot provide this they may well conclude that the problem is not serious. 

Photographs would also be very useful, though it is probably quite difficult to image smoke effectively....
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Netleyned on November 11, 2010, 12:42:09 pm
You can always add a bit more smoke with some good imaging software ;D ;D ;D

Ned
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: polaris on November 11, 2010, 01:00:37 pm

Dear Dodgy Geezer,

You are quite right of course. As irritating as the paperwork is, it's the only way EH can gather 'proof'/'evidence'. Whilst the smoke from the chimney must be irritating for those around, it might be best to focus on the chimney itself for a brief while - to determine correct height/correct place etc.. A frustrating situation to live around.

Ned... LOL, that was a very naughty suggestion!!! :}

Regards, Bernard
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Colin H on November 11, 2010, 04:06:40 pm


I have just discovered that solid fuel appliance's are covered by the same regs as gas appliances.


Building Regulations Document `J`.

A couple of points which might help.

(a)The termination must be 2300mm from any weather surface of terminate above that surface, heights vary according to the type of surface. A weather surface is defined as a pitched roof or a wall.

(b) Doc `J` page 27 para 1.52 contains the following sentence.

"Flues discharging at low level, near boundaries should do so at positions where the building owner will always be able to ensure safe flue gas dispersal"

This point is relevant to all types of fuel.

Bernard is also correct about the burning of treated timber. It is specifically forbidden.

Hope this helps Colin H.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: gondolier88 on November 11, 2010, 04:39:38 pm
If you take photos of their chimney, make sure it is only of their chimney, or when this comes out in the wash they can sue for invasion of privacy!

Greg
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: dodgy geezer on November 11, 2010, 06:15:33 pm
If you take photos of their chimney, make sure it is only of their chimney, or when this comes out in the wash they can sue for invasion of privacy!

Owners of property do not have the right to prevent someone taking pictures of their property from a public place. If you are actually on private property, of course, the owner may forbid photography or place any conditions they wish on it.

It is illegal to harass somebody, and taking photographs of their house could be part of a 'course of conduct' which could amount to harassment. But this must be a 'course of conduct' - at least twice, therefore, to count under this heading.

It is likely that a court would consider the use of a long lens to take a picture of someone in a private place, such as inside their home, to be an invasion of privacy, infringing article 8 of the European Convention on Human rights. But this is unlikely to be the case for an inanimate object, and certainly not for an inanimate object like a chimney, which is in full public view and has no reasonable expectation of privacy. In general, if you stay away from photographing people (and especially children) you are safe from any accusations of invasion of privacy. Gondolier is quite right to add his warning, though note that it is usually the 'publishing' of such pictures which causes the breach of privacy rather than just the taking of them...

There are various other restrictions on photography in some public places - Royal Parks, London Squares and the London Underground spring to mind, and restrictions may be enforced in some places under various items of Terrorism legislation. If there are certain rare nesting birds on the flue it would be illegal to disturb them under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and close-up photography might therefore be illegal.

So unless the offending flue is in a prohibited place under the Official Secrets Act 1911 (as amended), a wildlife preserve, or on certain other special buildings such as a court I think you are safe. The only other restrictive circumstances I can imagine are if reproductions of the flue are controlled by copyright, or if the flue has partially-burnt bank-notes coming out of it (photography of bank-notes is specifically forbidden under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 (section 18 (1)). Apart from that, you are in the clear....    :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Patternmaker on November 12, 2010, 03:15:44 pm
At last some progress, evidently 4 other neighbours have complained to EHA who came to see the situation for themselves, the 2 responsible came to see me, very irate as I was the only one who had complained in person, very heated discussion they said that the stoves had been installed within the current regulations. I asked them if the EHA saw your stocks of material that you burn, Pallets, Painted wood and freshly cut trees and anything else that will burn, at that point they left.

The EHA have contacted me stating that the installations will be checked to see if they comply with current regulations and also monitor what is being burnt, if either regulation is breached they will take immediate action. 

Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Colin Bishop on November 12, 2010, 03:42:51 pm
I think it is a poor reflection on today's society that although your neighbours are well aware they are causing a nuisance and are also burning things they shouldn't (assuming they read the instructions that came with their stoves), instead of facing up to the problem for which they are responsible, they elect to denigrate you for complaining about it. Unfortunately this sort of selfishness seems to be typical these days.

Colin
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Patternmaker on November 12, 2010, 04:27:39 pm
Yes Colin, having lived here for over 30 years with no problems from any of my neighbours it's a shame this has happened, but there was no way this situation could continue, because others would not speak up for themselves I'm the scapegoat.

Thanks to all for your suggestions and information.

Mick


Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Circlip on November 12, 2010, 04:58:54 pm
Quote
because others would not speak up for themselves I'm the scapegoat.

  Sadly Mick that's always the rub.

 A few years ago when the Chemical firm at the bottom of my garden caught fire, the neigbours had their hands out trying to claim compo quick enough, but in the years preceeding none attended the three monthly meetings with me  trying to make the company aware of the possibility of a fire problem. Typical cavalier attitude by company at a meeting two weeks before the "Happening" and typical whinging by neighbours when being evacuated.

  Wonder how many will tell  "We" sorted the problem.??

  Regards  Ian.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: dodgy geezer on November 12, 2010, 05:17:10 pm

 they said that the stoves had been installed within the current regulations....



As predicted, their defence is that the items have been installed withing current regulations - your position should be that that is not the point, you are complaining about an environmental hazard, NOT a breach of regulations. As far as we know, there is no problem with regulations compliance, but that is NOT where the problem is.

Don't let the council claim that because the installation conforms to regulations there is no problem - you need to stress that this is not a regulations breach but an environmental hazard and likely to be continual due to the permanent installation.... 
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: polaris on November 12, 2010, 06:42:23 pm

Dear Patternmaker,

I am pleased you are making headway... not an easy thing to do in this circs..

Once you have the EA recognising there is a potential problem, well, this is half the battle. The neighbours concerned will probably be more careful what they burn now... well, they would be silly not to do so anyway. Unfortunately you had to say what you did, and it sounds as if you did it in a balanced and good way: obviously the neighbours concerned would be a bit miffed, but they must understand that they have to consider others -it is surprising how inconsiderate many people are to their neighbours these days.

Good luck. I hope all sorts itself out for you asap.. Maybe you might let us know how everything pans out in the end please?

Regards, Bernard
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Colin H on November 13, 2010, 04:25:30 pm


I personally believe that there has been a breech of regulation, if you read my post above.


The owner obviously cannot always endure safe flue gas dispersal therefore they are in breech of approved `Document J`

Colin H.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: polaris on November 13, 2010, 07:01:06 pm

Dear Colin,

Your sub. email not being extant, I still all the same concur. It is however a matter of proving same, and this is where the problem lies. Proof is all, and unfortunately proof must be with the accuser... (proven until guilty and all that), so much for the innocent until proven guilty, but such is the way things go eh.... I firmly believe that many things should be the other way round, but our PC world etc. should make it the other way round in many cases. Oh well... if only... in the meantime we all have to suffer unjustices and put up with it... come the Revolution!!!

Regards, Bernard
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Patternmaker on November 13, 2010, 09:39:14 pm
Interesting update, evidently one stove was a DIY installation and does not comply with current regulations also the extension it has been installed in does not have planning permission, double trouble for that one, he paid me another visit accompanied by his 2 sons with loads of verbal, intimidation and threats do not work with me.

Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: polaris on November 13, 2010, 09:51:47 pm

Dear Patternmaker,

So, open warefare results. You have two choices... one you challange, two, you are in defeat? 1). You take advie from a solcitor, or 2)., you retreat. Easy for me to say, but are you a chicken or a mouse... I think however a tiger!!! Do your worst, do whatever you can against them... go for it...................................

Go for them, do your worst.............

Bernard
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Patternmaker on November 13, 2010, 10:13:34 pm
Bernard, the gloves are now off , I approached them in a civil manner at first but now they will learn not to mess with an Ex Para.

Mick


Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Colin H on November 13, 2010, 10:18:48 pm

As Bernard has said proof is all.

At times like this I find a mobile phone very handy. Most now have a facility that allows you to record a conversation for later play back, much like a memo machine.

The thing with a mobile is that most people would not suspect you were using it as a recording device to tape their conversation.


A recording of their threats should it happen again would possibly give the police an incentive to interfere under I believe the public order act.

Not quite sure on that one however it is an offence to indulge in behavior likely to cause offence or fear.

Colin H.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: polaris on November 13, 2010, 10:23:57 pm

Dear Mick,

My advice to you is this:-

Take formal advice. I cannot say other. Apart from that I will help if I can. You have my attention, but I don't think you need it!

Regards, Bernard.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Patternmaker on November 13, 2010, 10:39:42 pm
As Bernard has said proof is all.

At times like this I find a mobile phone very handy. Most now have a facility that allows you to record a conversation for later play back, much like a memo machine.

The thing with a mobile is that most people would not suspect you were using it as a recording device to tape their conversation.


A recording of their threats should it happen again would possibly give the police an incentive to interfere under I believe the public order act.

Not quite sure on that one however it is an offence to indulge in behavior likely to cause offence or fear.

Colin H.



All covered Colin, I have CCTV above my front door with sound, can be recorded with a flick of a switch, my last encounter is all on tape. 


 
Thankyou for your kind offer Bernard.

Mick


















Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: polaris on November 14, 2010, 12:10:14 am
 No probs. Mick., just keep this in mind maybe... double click to get full main screen. LOL. B. :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: polaris on November 14, 2010, 12:14:11 am
... and the Link is... LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZt0WsSSZ9g
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: essex2visuvesi on November 14, 2010, 11:37:06 am
This video contains content from Sony Music Entertainment, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds.

 >>:-( >>:-( >>:-(
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: polaris on November 14, 2010, 02:39:29 pm

Dear Essex,

Very sorry to hear that, pity as it goes well. Obviously I didn't know anything about this... a friend sent me the Links last night and that is all I know. I hope members who can 'total' view/hear the Links enjoy them though.

Regards, Bernard
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Patternmaker on November 16, 2010, 02:52:10 pm
Outcome,
The other stove has been checked and does comply with current regulations in respect of flue height. They were told to do a test burn today while the EA watched from my garden. The outcome was because of the position of the flue in relation to the ridge of the house and the much higher height of the ridge of the adjoining house is causing the smoke to disperse downwards, when the wind direction is W or SW.  EA have told
the owner that the flue should be extended with a rotating cowl, however they cannot enforce this as the installation meets current regulations but they will take action if it continues to cause a nuisance, which
They stated it clearly does.
The owner has also been warned that they will be monitoring what is being burnt, he has been told that all his stockpile of materials cannot be burnt on his stove.
He came to see me after and apologised for any inconvenience caused, I suggested that he contacted the company who installed it, they should have known with the proximity of the houses there would be a problem and its their responsibility to rectify it.
Reading between the lines I think he will abandon his stove.

Other neighbours have come out from behind their curtains to see what has been going on, saying we soon sorted that out.   

Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: boatmadman on November 16, 2010, 03:58:44 pm
good result :-))
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Circlip on November 16, 2010, 05:08:01 pm
Quote
Other neighbours have come out from behind their curtains to see what has been going on, saying we soon sorted that out.

  Hmm., Is that We we or You we??

  Strange how those that keep their heads below the trench top appear when the fighting stops.

  Regards   Ian.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: polaris on November 16, 2010, 06:18:11 pm

Dear Pattermaker,

A good result and good for you.

The EA are efficient with such things when they see it is genuine, and I thought they would unltimately come up 'with the goods' in your case, and their attention in your matter does you firm justice. Good for them and good for you.

Maybe you will now get some peace and quiet I hope.

Regards, Bernard
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Colin H on November 16, 2010, 10:39:11 pm


Nice one Mick, Well done for sticking to your guns, but there again thats what Paras do.


Colin H.
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Patternmaker on November 17, 2010, 03:23:06 pm
Final update, we are now in a smoke free zone, as I thought one has abandoned his stove, he said its to expensive to have the flue changed and the cost of the correct fuel to burn in it.

The other has taken his stove out and in the process of demolishing his Extension, he came to see me again, totally different attitude saying that He did not mean to threaten me and hopes I don't  bear a grudge, he also
Said that if he doesn't demolish the extension the council will do it his cost.
Our council is very hot on planning since Canvey Island has been designated a low Flood risk.

Thanks to all for your helpful contributions.   
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: gondolier88 on November 17, 2010, 03:34:37 pm
Great result- pints all round then is it Mick? %)

Greg
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: Patternmaker on November 17, 2010, 03:57:19 pm
What on a pension, sorry Greg I don't drink anyway.

Mick
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: gondolier88 on November 17, 2010, 05:12:06 pm
Worth a try :(( :-))
Title: Re: WOOD BURNING STOVES
Post by: polaris on November 17, 2010, 05:55:47 pm

Dear Patternmaker,

Crikey, didn't expect to hear all of that happening in one go and so quickly! Glad to hear the neighbour made peace as well.

So, all's well that ends well, and all out of the way before Christmas to boot! Always good to hear a satisfactory ending like this - this Topic might be useful to others as well.

Regards, Bernard