Woodfire in woodlands

Sauna Business Operators
1

Hi there,

I have got an amazing site that i’ve been offered in a woodlands on a golf course. I am worried about the fire risk with the flue being under a tree canopy - do you think i will have huge issues with getting this signed off?

Thanks

Laura

2

Hi Laura,

It’s not usually a deal-breaker, but plan for it from the start. There isn’t one single sign-off. There are four, and in England and Wales they look like this:

  • Your insurer. This is usually the strictest. Tell them early: a wood-burner under trees is something they have to know about.
  • Fire risk assessment. A commercial site needs one under the Fire Safety Order, and the flue will be the main item in it.
  • Building control. A small cabin (under 30m², nobody sleeping in it, at least 1m from the boundary) is usually exempt from building regulations. Confirm with your council’s building control team anyway.
  • The trees. If they have a Tree Preservation Order or sit in a conservation area, you need council consent before cutting back any branches.