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gaining access through an unsealed drain fitting.
Caravan Sites and Control of Developnent Act, 1960
Caravans
An application for approval to site a caravan in the Borough was given but not
acted upon by the Owner. In another case a caravan was sited in a private roadway and
although nuisances were alleged none were confirmed. Every endeavour is being made to
get the caravan removed.
Atmospheric Pollution - Clean Air Act
During the year Circular 46/64 was issued by the Minister of Housing and Local
Government. This Circular draws attention to the effect which Section 95 of the Housing
Act, 1964, has upon the expression "new dwelling" . As defined by the Clean Air Act,
1956, a new dwelling is now a dwelling the erection of which or the production of which,
by conversion, was begun on or after 16th August, 1964. The Circular also deals with the
designation of appliances, approval of expenditure and discretionary grants. In
addition the provision of gas or electric ignition appliances are now eligible for grant.
The Minister also issued Circular 60/64. In accordance with this Circular all
electrically operated space heating appliances are excluded from grant aid with the
exception of those which operate or mainly operate by storing heat in material which is
incorporated in or forms part of the structure and where the appliance takes its
current for heating purposes from a circuit designed to act at an "off peak" electricity
tariff.
The Minister has already recognised that the cost of conversions is likely to be
increased, and gave approval to a notional cost of £25 per room where it was not possible
to determine precisely the items of expenditure which would be reasonably necessary.
During the year two Smoke Control orders came into operation. There appears to be an
increasing trend away from solid fuel.
Complaints were received of smoke emission from one hospital in the Borough. The
hospital authorities who are themselves anxious to do everything possible to abate the
nuisance arranged for its representative together with representatives from the National
Coal Board to meet the Public Health Inspector on the site. Negotiations are still
proceeding.
Number of applications received for prior approval by local
authority as to plans and specifications for new furnaces
(Section 3(2)) 4
Number of applications for prior approval granted re above 4
Inspections 1906
Re-visits 1710
Non-effective visits 289
Complaints received 53
Smoke observations 199
Contraventions found 58
Adaptations completed (domestic) 1513
Notices served 93
Notices complied with 65
Prosecutions