A Saffron Walden council tenant is fighting to keep his chimney stack, which he uses as his primary source of heating.

Dominic Walsh has had an open fire at his property for 12 years, using wood rather than gas.

Earlier this year, Uttlesford District Council launched a clean air campaign in Saffron Walden to discourage wood burning, which causes air particle pollution.

However Dominic said he relies on wood burning and has tried to make the fires as environmentally-friendly as possible.

He said: "I do tree surgery as part of my work, so have access to free wood. I have wood stored at my dad's, enough for at least five winters.

"I only burn properly seasoned logs in my fireplace, such as lime, oak, ash, beech etc and never high resinous woods such as leylandii.

"My fire allows me to heat my house, which I would otherwise not be able to afford.

"I also prefer to heat my house using carbon neutral wood, rather than fossil fuels, although I necessarily have to use gas for hot water.

"As all institutions and businesses are having to endeavour to become carbon neutral, it seems to be a retrograde step by the council to try to stop the use of carbon neutral fuel."

An Uttlesford District Council spokesperson said: "The tenant has carried out unapproved chimney works that should have been subject to a building regulations application, or installation and certification by a suitably competent registered person with an appropriate competent person scheme.

"There is no building control application, installation or commissioning certificate, or evidence that it has been regularly maintained.

"The health and safety of residents is a priority for the council and therefore we will not permit the chimney stack, which is shared by the neighbouring property, to remain.

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"We have advised the tenant that retrospective consent will not be issued and that the chimney stack will be removed with the breast capped in the loft. 

"We will then overboard/brick-up and vent the fireplaces to prevent future use.

"The tenant’s home has a full and operational heating system which is maintained by the council."