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27
SECTION D.
Housing.
General.
It is estimated that there are 9,334 dwellings in the Borough.
Unfortunately a very considerable proportion are dilapidated and
outworn, and incapable at a reasonable expense of being reconditioned
to comply with modern standards. Deterioration is proceeding almost
as rapidly as temporary improvements can be effected. Again much
of the property was built many years ago and is unsuitable for
conversion into the type of accommodation that it is desired to
provide at the present time. Until such time as demolition and
rebuilding can be carried out on an extensive scale, it is clear that
every effort must be exercised to preserve houses wherever possible
and prevent the falling off of even those amenities that are available
to residents.
Most of the work to secure this has been undertaken under the
Public Health Act by informal action.
Proceedings under the Housing Act.
No representations were made and no notices served under
Sections 9 and 10 of the Housing Act, 1936 requiring notices to be
served.
Fifteen House to House inspections were carried out.
One representation was made during the year under Section 11
that premises were unfit for habitation and could not at a reasonable
expense be made fit.
Eight new representations were made in respect of Closing
Orders during the year, four being attic rooms and four basement
rooms.
One Demolition Order was made during the year in respect of
one house.
Of the representations made under Section 11 in 1949 and
mentioned in the last report, one of the houses is still occupied.