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New furnaces
Notifications of intention to install new boilers increased during 1964 and 111
notifications were received regarding new boilers in domestic, commercial and
industrial premises. In conjunction with control of chimney height under Section 10,
Clean Air Act, 1956, satisfactory dispersal of flue gases can be ensured. It is unfortunate,
however, that no control exists under the Clean Air Act where it is proposed
to install a new boiler connecting with an existing chimney which, whilst providing
adequate draught for combustion, may be of inadequate height to disperse flue gases
satisfactorily.
Prior Approval
No formal applications for prior approval were received but consultation with
architects, consulting engineers and their clients has continued. Many improvements
have been incorporated in new proposals as a result of this process.
Heights of Chimneys
Building Byelaw applications showing the proposed construction of new chimneys
also increased in number during 1964. Twenty-two applications were considered, of
which 15 required modification before being approved by the Council under Section
10 of the Clean Air Act.
In addition to the deficiency pointed out under the heading New Furnaces, control
of chimneys is weak in other respects. Domestic, office and shop chimneys are exempt
under Section 10 and any premises not subject to Building Byelaw control are also
free from control. These matters have been remarked on in previous Reports and also
by other authorities, but as yet there appears no sign of amending legislation.
Contraventions of Smoke Control Orders
Several contraventions were observed during the year, but these were largely due
to misunderstandings on the part of householders concerned, and were quickly
remedied as soon as attention was drawn to the requirements of the Orders. In the
case of one persistent offender, however, a successful prosecution for a contravention
of the No. 9 Smoke Control Order resulted in the imposition of a fine of £5.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLEAN AIR ACT, 1956
Amendments to the Clean Air Act, 1956, came into force on the 16th August,
1964, under Section 95 of the Housing Act, 1964. These were as follows:—
New dwellings. Eligibility for grant under the 1956 Act was extended to dwellings
built or produced by conversion after 5th July, 1956, and before 16th August, 1964.
This was to allow grant aided conversion of firegrates installed during this period
in areas where open grate smokeless fuels were no longer readily available.
Designation of appliances. Local Authorities or the Minister of Housing and Local
Government were given power to refuse grant on certain types of appliances in
smoke control areas where the appropriate fuel was not available. Such action by
local authorities depended upon replies received from fuel and power producers
and distributors as a result of the consultations described in Circular 69/63. The
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