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NOTE: Units means the number of equivalent persons in the
families obtained, by regarding children between 1 and
10 years of age as "half-persons" and disregarding
infants under the age of 12 months.
Appeals against Closing Orders
During the year, three owners appealed to the County Court
against Closing Orders made by the Council in respect of the following
premises:-
53, Ledbury Road - First and Second floors
14, Hogarth Place - Front underground room
44, Ifield Road - Front and Back underground rooms
In the first case the appellant withdrew before the Court
hearing.
The second case was heard at the West London County Court
on the 3rd July, 1956, but as the appellant did not appear, the Judge
dismissed the appeal and awarded £1. 10s. 0d. costs to the Council.
The third case was adjourned sine die on condition that the
rooms were not occupied or relet until the appeals had been settled.
Surveyors acting for the owner subsequently submitted a schedule of
works which suggested some variations of the Council's specification to
make the rooms comply with the Underground Room Regulations. Certain
variations were accepted, but the owner's surveyors were informed that,
although there was no evidence of rising dampness in the walls of either
rooms at that time, freedom from dampness would not be permanent unless
proper damp-courses were provided.
The owner applied for reinstatement of the appeals, which
were heard at the West London County Court on 14th November, 1956. The
Judge allowed both appeals and quashed the Closing Orders, but made no
order for costs.
Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1954
Certificates of Disrepair
The Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1954, which came into
operation on 30th August, 1954, altered the legislation relating to
the Council's duty to issue certificates of disrepair in respect of
dwelling houses, not fit for habitation, subject to the Rent and Mortgage