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Smoke Control Areas
The Hornsey No. 7 Order which covers an area of 262 acres containing 5,385 dwellings came into
operation on 1st April 1966. Three new areas were made the subjects of Smoke Control Orders in 1966.
These were confirmed by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government on 26th May 1966 and came into
operation on 1st December 1966. Details of the areas are as follows:-
Hornsey No. 8 area - 173 acres, 2,863 dwellings
Tottenham No. 6 area - 500 acres, 2,422 dwellings
Wood Green No. 9 area - 253 acres, 2,557 dwellings
It is expected that the whole of the Borough will become smoke controlled by December 1968.
Statistics have become available both at local and national level which confirm the general impression
that smoke control orders have contributed enormously to the securing of a cleaner atmosphere and thereby
ensuring a positive improvement in the general environment. The statistics indicate that although little
specific action has been practicable to reduce significantly the amount of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere
it has been pleasing to note that some diminution has been achieved in spite of a generally increasing
fuel consumption. The means of securing further reductions in the amount of sulphur dioxide being
discharged in the atmosphere by commercial premises and also of reducing air pollution arising from
vehicular traffic now become more urgent problems.
The changing pattern of fuel supplies has led the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to
advise further modifications of their rules for the assessment of expenditure which may qualify for grant
in the adaptation of fireplaces. In a circular letter dated July 1966 the Ministry stated that in the
Greater London area gas coke should continue to be available to meet the needs of householders in
existing areas, but there was not likely to be sufficient fully to meet increased demands for open tire use
resulting from new smoke control orders. The Ministry, therefore, advised that in new smoke control areas
grants should be allowed towards the replacement or improved open coke grates by other approved forms
of heating such as freestanding or under floor draught stoves, gas or oil room heaters of oft peak electric
storage heaters. If, however, a householder should desire to replace a coal grate by an improved open
coke grate, grant will continue to be available towards this.
Furnace Installations
Twenty-five notifications were received in accordance with Section 3 of the Clean Air Act 1956 of
proposals to install furnaces and boiler plants. These were carefully examined and where necessary
advice was otfered with a view to securing improvements in the proposals.
Chimney Heights
Nineteen notices were received under Section 10of the Clean Air Act of proposals for new chimneys
serving furnace installation. In nine cases the proposed chimney heights were considered to be inadequate
and increased heights were subsequently agreed.
Investigation of Atmospheric Pollution
At the beginning of 1966 there were ten sites in the Borough where instruments were installed and
examined daily for the measurement of smoke and sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. Following discussions
with the Divisional Officer and the Ministry of Technology, it was agreed that a reduction could be effected
in the number of sites without loss of adequate indication of the pollution present in the various types
of development in the Borough. This applied both to the survey for local purposes and the overall national
survey in which the Borough was participating. Sites Nos. 2, 3, 5, 8 and 10 shown in Table A were
discontinued at the beginning of May and it was agreed that Site No. 7 should be discontinued in April
1967 at the end of the first phase of the national survey.
The instrument at the Tottenham Technical College was not satisfactorily sited and was transferred
to a suitable position in the nearby Tottenham Town Hall.
Two deposit gauges continue to be maintained in the Borough. Although these do not provide any
data of national significance, it is considered that they have a local use as indicators of any heavy
pollution of dust or grit which may arise as a result of industrial accident or misdemeanour.
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