If you have got a wood burner, multi-fuel stove, chiminea or open fire in Gnosall, you are not alone - and when they are used well, they can be great. But when smoke drifts into a neighbours house or garden, it can quickly turn into a nuisance. Stafford Borough Council has clear guidance on what counts as a problem and what you can do about it.

When does smoke become a "nuisance"?

A bit of occasional whiff is one thing. Regular, thick smoke that affects someones health, stops them opening windows, or makes it unpleasant to use their home or garden can be classed as a statutory nuisance. Stafford Borough Councils page is the best place to start because it sets out how they look at complaints and what evidence may be needed.

Stafford Borough Council - Nuisance: wood burning stoves and open fires

If you have a stove or open fire: quick wins that make a big difference

• Burn the right fuel - dry, seasoned wood (wet wood smokes far more)
• Do not burn treated wood, painted wood, household rubbish, plastics, or garden waste
• Get the stove and chimney/flue serviced and swept regularly so it draws properly
• Check how you light it - a smoky, smouldering start is often the main culprit
• Be mindful of weather - still, foggy days can trap smoke at low level

If you are being bothered by smoke: what to do first

If it feels safe, start with a calm chat. Many issues are down to damp logs, poor airflow, or someone not realising how far the smoke travels.

If the problem keeps happening, keep a simple record (dates, times, how long it lasted, and how it affected you). Then use the councils guidance and reporting route here:

Report or get advice from Stafford Borough Council

Other local routes (if you are unsure who covers what)

For borough-level environmental health nuisance issues, Stafford Borough Council is usually the right starting point. For wider local services and signposting, these official sites can help:

• Gnosall Parish Council
• Staffordshire County Council

A neighbourly note

Most smoke problems are solved with better fuel, a sweep, or a small change in how the fire is run. If you are affected, logging it properly and following the council process gives you the best chance of a fair, practical outcome.