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I am indebted to the Borough Housing Officer for the above information on the
progress made by the Council during the year in providing housing accommodation.
Clearance Areas
One clearance area located in East End Road, East Finchley involving four
properties was represented to the Council under Part III of the Housing Act 1957. A
Clearance Order was made and because the houses were directly in the line of a
major road improvement scheme included in the Council's capital programme it was
agreed the area should be made the subject of a Compulsory Purchase Order.
At the end of the year demolition of the four houses in the Lodge Lane, North
Finchley Clearance Area had been commenced, these properties being contained
within a larger area for which the Council has long term plans in respect of
redevelopment under Part V of the Housing Act 1957. Demolition of all the properties
in The Walks, East Finchley Clearance Area was completed, and the tenants
of all but two of the houses in The Burroughs, Hendon Clearance Area were rehoused.
Individual Unfit Houses
A total of nineteen dwellings were reported as being unfit for human habitation
and incapable of repair at reasonable cost. In seven cases the making of
Demolition Orders was appropriate and in nine instances, as the dwellings were
not capable of demolition in isolation, it was necessary to recommend the making
of Closing Orders. In one case, the property being in the ownership of a Group
Hospital Management Committee, formal action was not possible but agreement
was reached for demolition to be undertaken as soon as the re-housing of the
tenants had been achieved. In a further case the house was closed by arrangement
with the owners pending the completion of a re-development scheme involving
this and a number of adjacent properties, whilst in a third instance the making of
a Closing Order was postponed pending consideration being given to the inclusion
of the house in a Clearance Area.
In consequence of this action, together with that which had been initiated in
earlier years, thirty unfit houses were demolished and fourteen dwellings closed.
Twenty-six families comprising in all a total of sixty-three persons vacated unfit
properties. In two instances the tenants found themselves suitable alternative
accommodation. In all other cases re-housing was arranged by the Council, in one
instance in conjunction with the Greater London Council.
Eleven Closing Orders which had been made during previous years were determined.
In each case the property was completely rehabilitated and provided with
full standard amenities so as to have an acceptable future life as a fit dwelling.
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