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In a number of cases it was found that the electrical installation of the properties was
thought to be defective and the Borough Engineer & Surveyor's Electrical Engineering Section
were asked, therefore, to call and test the electrical installations in properties. Where it was
found that the properties were defective in this respect owners were required to renew the
electrical installation.
Caravans and Caravan Sites
Four site licences are currently in force permitting the use of land for residential caravans.
Three of these licences are in respect of single caravans and the remaining licence permits six
caravans. These sites have not caused any trouble with regard to the maintenance of satisfactory
conditions.
Approximately fifteen caravans have remained on the verge of the A.20 trunk road forming
the Southern boundary of the Borough and immediately adjacent to the London Borough of
Bromley. The actual number of caravans has varied throughout the year but the problems which
started in 1966 when caravans were first regularly parked on this verge continue. The problems
are aggravated by the absence of sanitary facilities and the site conditions, which are never
good, are generally poor especially during and following periods of inclement weather. In order
to assist with the removal of rubbish, "skips" are stationed on the site and periodic clearance
of the site and ditch is carried out by the Borough Engineer and Surveyor's Department.
Discussions have continued with persons representing the caravan dwellers and preliminary
layouts have been prepared for a proposed site to meet the requirements of the Caravan Sites
Act 1968.
Common Lodging Houses
There are no premises in the Borough which are classified as Common Lodging Houses
and to which may be applied the provisions of the Public Health Act 1936 regarding registration.
Rent Act 1968
The number of "controlled" tenants who avail themselves of the provisions contained in
the Rent Act 1968 under which they can obtain from the Council a Certificate of Disrepair
authorising them to reduce the rent continues to be small. During the year only three such
applications were received and each of them resulted in an undertaking being obtained from
the landlord to carry out the necessary repairs within the prescribed period of six months and
thus avoiding the necessity to reduce the rent.
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