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Closure of Parts of Buildings.
Closing Orders to the number of 190 were made prohibiting the use
of parts of buildings for human habitation, and in seven instances statutory
undertakings by the owners not to re-let until the rooms were rendered
fit were accepted by the City Council. Of these Closing Orders and
Undertakings, 196 related to basements and 1 to a part of a house other
than a basement, comprising in all 542 rooms.
In 77 other cases statutory procedure for closure of basements was
in process at the end of the year, so that formal action has been applied to
273 basements. In addition to the basements which have been the subject
of formal procedure, 158 have been closed voluntarily by owners pending
reconditioning or consideration as to future user; thus the total number
of basements dealt with during the year was 431 (1,163 rooms).
An unsuccessful appeal was made to the County Court against a
decision of the Council not to allow three basement rooms, the subject
of a Closing Order to be relet for human habitation.
Since the procedure relating to basements was begun, 1,318 have been
dealt with up to the end of 1938. The total of Closing Orders made is
696 ; undertakings 36. Reconditioning for occupation has been completed
or was in hand in 698 basements, including those done voluntarily.
Demolition Orders.
One house was made the subject of a Demolition Order.
The Housing Committee and its Standing Sub-Committee, besides
meeting on 18 occasions, held 5 special meetings for the purpose of interviewing
persons interested in the premises under consideration for closure
or demolition ; 1,536 notices were served upon freeholders, leaseholders,
mortgagees, &c., in accordance with the requirements of the Housing Acts.
Reconditioning of Unfit Dwellings.
Specifications to the number of 262 were received from owners desirous
of carrying out reconditioning work to premises, as follows :—
For reconditioning basements the subject of closing orders
or statutory undertakings 118
For reconditioning basements prior to or apart from any
formal action by the City Council 139
For reconditioning whole houses 5
(8677) F