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Up to the end of 1970 a total of 99 reports on lifts had been received, but in 1971
the number of reports received was 132.
A difference of practice between London and the rest of England was noted in the
implementation of the Building Regulations in respect of lifts in basements. A platform lift
in a car-showroom was to be altered, and in accordance with Part B of the Building
Regulations, 1965, the installation engineer had specified that the lift in the basement was
to be enclosed in a fire-resistant brick wall. The London Building Act does not require such
an enclosure, and the District Surveyor and the Fire Authority were of the opinion that an
enclosure to a lift in a large London basement might be disadvantageous.
LAND CHARGES
The number of land charge enquiries dealt with during the year was 8,794 compared
with 7,152 in 1970. These concerned outstanding statutory or informal notices, closing
orders, smoke control orders, certificates of disrepair, slum clearance, etc.
TOWN PLANNING APPLICATIONS
During the year, 1,839 applications were referred to the Health Department for
observations, compared with 1,688 in 1970. The persons responsible for carrying out any
accepted schemes were informed of the various requirements of the Health Department
before any work was commenced. Close liaison between the officers of the Health, Town
Clerk's and Borough Engineer and Surveyor's Departments and the public health inspectors
ensured that any development which took place was in accordance with the relevant Acts
and Byelaws relating to health.
LICENSING ACT, 1964
Two hundred and fifty copies of applications to the Licensing Justices (146
restaurant and/or residential, 30 clubs, 72 publicans, 1 beerhouse keeper, and 1 wine only)
for licences were received during the year. Inspections were made in each case to ensure that
there were no breaches of the Food Hygiene (General) Regulations, 1970, and that there
was sufficient and properly sited sanitary accommodation for the use of patrons.
In addition, 30 copies of applications in respect of Off-Licences were received and
the premises inspected to ensure that they complied with the Food Hygiene (General)
Regulations, 1970, and the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963.
LICENCES FOR PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT
During the year, two copies of applications for music and dancing licences from the
Greater London Council were referred to this department for reports of any actual
complaints on the grounds of noise nuisance received from local residents. No complaints
were made to this department in respect of the premises concerned.
GREATER LONDON COUNCIL (GENERAL POWERS) ACT, 1968
The Borough Council adopted the provisions of Part VIII of the above Act and fixed
the appointed day as 2nd June, 1969, and from that date no premises in the borough may
be used as a night cafe without being registered with the Council under the Act. The
registration must be renewed every year.
The term "night cafe" means any premises kept open for refreshment at any time
between the hours of 11.00 p.m. and 5.00 a.m. whether for use by the public or by a club,
organisation or body, except that public houses, theatres, cinemas, hotels, guest houses,
specified licensed premises or premises used for charitable purposes or as a sports club or
staff canteen are excluded from this definition.