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properties in the vicinity, for the purpose of developing the site
for housing. At the end of the year negotiations had proceeded
to an advanced stage.
The two houses in the Sandgate Street Area, which was also
represented at the end of 1952, were demolished after the occupants
had been rehoused by the London County Council.
Housing Survey.
The Housing Repairs and Rents Bill, which came before
Parliament at the end of the year contained provisions requiring
local authorities to survey their districts and formulate proposals
for dealing with unfit houses for submission to the Ministry of
Housing and Local Government. In anticipation of this becoming
law, the Council's Inspectors commenced a preliminary survey
of the Borough.
Individual Unfit Houses capable of being rendered fit at
reasonable expense.
Ten formal and four informal notices were served under the
provisions of Section 9 of the Housing Act, 1936, in respect of
houses which were unfit for human habitation but were capable
of being rendered fit at a reasonable expense.
Seventeen unfit houses were rendered fit during the year—
six by informal action and 11 by statutory action. Of the latter,
six were repaired by the owners and five by the Council in
default of the owners.
Individual Unfit Houses not capable of being rendered fit
at reasonable expense.
Only one demolition order was made during the year in
respect of a dwelling house which was not capable of being rendered
fit for human habitation at a reasonable expense.
Two houses were demolished and two houses made fit by the
owners following action by the Council under Section 11 of the
Housing Act, 1936. In addition, two undertakings by owners
were accepted by the Council to render premises fit for habitation.
Underground Rooms and parts of Premises.
Closing Orders were made by the Council in respect of 25
underground rooms and parts of premises which were unfit for
human habitation. In one instance a Closing Order was determined
following action by the owner to render fit the underground
room.