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HOUSING
Housing Act, 1957 - Section 9
For the reasons mentioned in last year's Annual Report, little use was made of this
Section.
Four houses which were unfit and which seemed likely to be repairable at reasonable
expense were examined. Detailed inspection and costing of necessary repairs, however, showed
that the estimated cost exceeded the valuation.
The nuisance abatement clauses of the Public Health Acts were again freely used to enforce
essential repairs.
Discussions took place with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and elsewhere
on the possibility of new powers to enforce property repair and maintenance which would have
regard only to the age, character and location of the house. Such a power would be much
welcomed, not only in getting unfit houses repaired, but in preventing unfitness in the first
place.
Housing Act, 1957 - Sections 16, 17, 18 and 27
The number of Closing Orders decreased from last year, to five Orders in respect of
individual unfit houses, and forty-two Orders in respect of unfit parts of buildings.
In general, only one-third of houses, or parts of houses, which were closed were
subsequently rehabilitated and returned to use. Some parts of buildings were incapable of
rehabilitation, principally because of the lighting factors, for example, basement rooms
with no proper areas and rooms over-shadowed by tall adjoining buildings. Houses, or parts
subject to closing orders were included in clearance areas. Even allowing for both of these
factors, there was a drain on valuable housing resources and for this reason also, the proposed
new powers referred to above would be welcomed.
The shortage of one-bedroom accommodation continued and thus restricted closure action
where rehousing in this type of unit was required.
Three houses and thirteen parts of buildings were rehabilitated and the closing orders
determined. Use of premises subject to closing orders, for purposes other than human habitation,
was permitted in four cases.
Housing Acts, 1957 - Slum Clearance
(a) 1961/65 Slum Clearance Programme
The Minister of Housing and Local Government confirmed the following Slum Clearance Orders
which were submitted to him at the end of last year:-
1. 58 - 62 White Lion Street
1-13 Godson Street
2. 34a, 34 - 41 White Lion Street
1 and 2 Penton Grove
3. 83 - 89 White Lion Street
7 and 8 Northwest Passage
4. 1-5 Dallington Street*
5. 91 - 101 (odd) Central Street*
* Local Inquiry held.
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