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SMOKE CONTROL AREAS
The serious "smog" of December 1952 led the Government to set up
the Committee on Air Pollution (The 'Beaver' Committee) whose recommendations
led to the Clean Air Act, 1956.
The Act has three main objects. First, to prohibit the emission of dark
smoke from all chimneys, second, to control the emission of smoke, dust
and grit from industrial furnaces; and third, to establish Smoke Control
areas.
The problem of industrial smoke in Hornsey is relatively small, as the
Borough is mainly residential in character; the principal task is therefore,
to establish Smoke Control Areas in which the emission of any smoke
due to burning an unauthorised fuel from the chimney of any building
is an offence. 'Authorised fuels' are prescribed by Regulation and these
include coke, anthracite, low volatile steam coal, low temperature carbonisation
fuels such as Coalite, Rexco and Cleanglow, briquetted fuels
carbonised in the process of manufacture, gas and electricity.
To assist in the replacement or adaptations of domestic fireplaces which
cannot burn smokeless fuels, a grant of 70% of the cost in respect of
private dwellings is given by the Council. Where it thinks fit the Council
may re-imburse the whole cost.
The Minister of Housing and Local Government will repay to the
Council 40% of the cost provided the conditions laid down by him have
been observed. These conditions are mainly concerned with the proper
fixing of the appliances, ensuring that they are selected only from the
approved lists, and that the work for which grant is paid is reasonably
necessary. It is also an essential condition that the work shall have been
done during the period between the confirmation of the Order by the
Minister and the date on which the Order comes into force. The Act
prescribes that this period must be at least six months. Financial assistance
may also be given to religious bodies or voluntary bodies whose primary
objects are charitable, educational or for the advancement of social
welfare, but the cost of such grants will be borne entirely by the Council.
Late in 1957 the Council approved in principle the first area consisting
of 344 acres in Highgate, at the extreme south-western corner of the
Borough. The area contains 1150 dwellings and 73 other premises.
Provisional approval for this area was received from the Minister in
October 1958 and a detailed survey was then carried out to ascertain,
among other things, the estimated cost of carrying out the necessary
adaptations and replacements. This survey was completed by the end of
the year, the estimated total cost being £9,274.
The necessary Order was made by the Council in January 1959. Six
objections were received, and a Public Local Enquiry was held before
Mr.W. J. Brown, O.B.E., F.R.I.B.A., F.R.I.C.S., on the 14th April 1959.
The order was confirmed by the Minister and will come into force on
1st September, I960.
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