Suffering from neighbors poorly installed chimney

G.O.A.T · 17 Jan 2020 at 18:25

Last year the neighbor decided to install a new log burner into their single story extension. We are in a smoke free zone and although they are using smokeless fuel, the stink and fumes still infest the back room on my house closest to it. Worse still they insist on having it lit 18 hours a day 7 days a week. I work in this room and can only cope with 2-3 hours before I'm overcome by the fumes and have to take an hour break to get some clean air.

The land goes up at the back so when standing in my garden the chimney exits at roughly head height. Does anyone have any experience with chimneys installed so low. Surely this thing cant be legal, should I inform the council?

In the interim I'm looking to pickup an air purifier so I can keep working in that room, does anyone have any recommendations that would tackle smoke specifically?

Bat · 17 Jan 2020 at 19:29

If they aren't open to an amicable discussion about it, then I would look to report it to local building control. I don't think any sort of air purifier is going to do any good.

Haze · 17 Jan 2020 at 19:38

I defently wouldnt speak to your neighbors 1st, just screw them over to the council......

Beans on toast Dave · 17 Jan 2020 at 20:00

if there are fumes in your house, your health is at risk, council time unfortunately

Mcnumpty2323 · 17 Jan 2020 at 20:30

not an expert though have worked for few property developers in the past
i assume that needs building regs or a hetas certificate
so thats one line of enquiry
i think it should clear that roof by 1.8m if thats classed as a combustible roof-though thats debatable given the amount of water laying on it lol
and cant tell if its 1.8m from photo
contact council building regs/inspector
and yeah fumes may mean can try enviromental health too

i assume you already spoke politely to neighbours about it ?
would be first thing i would have done any way before going official route

sja360 · 17 Jan 2020 at 20:31

Pretty sure there are regulations regarding how far the flue has to extend up and out. That doesn't look good enough I'd have thought

Orionaut · 17 Jan 2020 at 21:24

Fairly crap looking extension really. what is with the sheeting and bricks?

Did he build it himself?

G.O.A.T · 17 Jan 2020 at 22:42

Orionaut said:
Fairly crap looking extension really. what is with the sheeting and bricks?

Did he build it himself?

yes it’s a self build - no planing permission.

The bricks have been there for a year and a half, holding it together. I assumed it was still a work-in-progress but perhaps it’s part of the design!

Mark A · 17 Jan 2020 at 23:01

Haze said:
I defently wouldnt speak to your neighbors 1st, just screw them over to the council......

Obviously it's a good idea to speak to them first, but it's not like they're going to stop using their expensive log burner.

OpenToSuggestions · 17 Jan 2020 at 23:30

G.O.A.T said:
yes it’s a self build - no planing permission.

The bricks have been there for a year and a half, holding it together. I assumed it was still a work-in-progress but perhaps it’s part of the design!

That's no bloody good is it!
He needs permission to do a proper job.
You 100% need to speak to the council.

Mcnumpty2323 · 17 Jan 2020 at 23:51

It likely doesn't need planning permission
If it falls under permitted development
Still needs to meet building regs though
And not surprised they did it themselves looking at the water lying on the roof

koolpc · 17 Jan 2020 at 23:55

Def speak to the council. I dont think he can have the chimney that low! It needs to be above roof height. The main roof!

keylion · 18 Jan 2020 at 00:25

I wouldn't bother speaking to the neighbour first. This is affecting your health. If it was me I'd get the number for building control at your local council, give them a ring and explain the situation. I'm sure they will be more than helpful. Get them to come out and inspect and take it from there.

fish · 18 Jan 2020 at 03:50

Having had a chimney fitted by an approved installer recently it looks a lot taller than the one shown here. Take a quick look at page 9 on the link below for the regs
https://www.hetas.co.uk/wp-content/mediauploads/BFCMA-General-Guidance-10-12-12.pdf

norm · 18 Jan 2020 at 05:10

That is pretty inconsiderate. Sadly it's endemic of people practically living on top of each other in the UK.

I doubt the council will actually bother doing anything, you'd be best to build the fence on your side higher as barrier to the smoke and as an added bonus you won't have to look at their shanty town style extension.

200sols · 18 Jan 2020 at 06:47

koolpc said:
Def speak to the council. I dont think he can have the chimney that low! It needs to be above roof height. The main roof!

It doesnt actually.

koolpc · 18 Jan 2020 at 07:40

200sols said:
It doesnt actually.

It needs to be above any windows in the immediate vicinity

200sols · 18 Jan 2020 at 07:57

koolpc said:
It needs to be above any windows in the immediate vicinity

It needs to be 2.3metres away from opening windows or if closer, above them by 1000mm. I expect the OPs window is further away than that.

SeatIbiza · 18 Jan 2020 at 10:43

This could fall under ASBO laws if they are creating a nuisance...

b00merang69 · 18 Jan 2020 at 12:12

ASBO's were abolished AFAIK UK wide (Scotland for sure).