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proposals for dealing in one way or another with the houses in their
districts which appear to them to be unfit for human habitation and
with any other houses which are, or in the opinion of the authority
ought to be, included in clearance areas. The Minister further stated
that at this stage he did not expect more than an estimate of the total
number of unfit houses and of the period needed to secure their
demolition, this information to be given in a programme of action
during the next five years.
In addition the Minister required information on—
(i) The estimated number of houses unfit for human habitation
within the meaning of Section 9 of the Housing Repairs and
Rents Act, 1954, and suitable for action under Section 2
or Section 25 of the Housing Act, 1936.
(ii) Period in years which the Council think necessary for securing
the demolition of all houses in (i).
Following consideration of the provisions of the Act and the circulars
issued thereunder, the Borough Council instructed me to arrange for
a survey of the district to be carried out and, in consultation with the
Borough Engineer, to submit proposals.
The survey was carried out during the latter part of 1954 and the
early part of this year. For the purposes of the survey all houses were
classified in six main classifications:—
(a) First class properties including owner-occupied houses which
from situation and character would not be considered for
conversion.
(b) Good class properties. Capable of repair, improvement or
conversion if necessary. No serious lack of repair.
(c) Houses with a reasonable life but below the standard of the
"12 points" set out in Circular 36/54. No serious lack of
repair.
(d) Houses needing repairs and/or improvement to comply with
Section 9 standards.
(e) Houses not capable of repair at reasonable cost, but not
requiring immediate demolition.
(f) Houses not capable of repair at reasonable cost and requiring
demolition.
Areas requiring early consideration consist mainly of property
built between 1880 and 1900. Such property is old and worn out,
in some cases damp and generally lacking necessary amenities.
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