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RIVERS AND STREAMS
The only water courses in the District are those provided by
the intermittent Bourne flows. These present no difficulties apart
from occasional rat infestation along the banks.
INSPECTION OF THE DISTRICT
It is the statutory duty of a Public Health Inspector to inspect
and have a thorough knowledge of the sanitary circumstances of
the district in order that action can be taken if necessary to abate
conditions that give rise to nuisance or are prejudicial to health.
Under the following headings comment is made on particular
aspects of this work, concluding with a summary of the complaints
received, visits made, notices served, works carried out and defects
remedied during the year.
Camping Sites
In view of the rural character of much of the Council's district,
a close watch has to be maintained for unauthorised siting of movable
dwellings.
Control is exercised mainly through planning powers although
prohibition orders obtained in 1951 in respect of two areas in the
district under the provisions of the Surrey County Council Act
have continued to prove effective in preventing nuisance arising
from itinerant gypsy encampments. No serious difficulties have
been experienced during the year.
The permanent Boy Scouts' Camp at Featherbed Lane continues
to be used in a very satisfactory manner and the residential
caravan camp established on land at Dean Lane, Merstham, still
operates although the permission granted by the Ministry of
Housing & Local Government for the continued use of the land
as a camp site for a period of three years has now expired.
A further application for planning permission to continue its
use has been refused and notice has been given by the owners of
intention to appeal against the decision.
During the year a report by Sir Arton Wilson on his investigations
into the use of caravans as homes was submitted to the
Minister. This report read in conjunction with the Social Survey
carried out on behalf of Sir Arton Wilson by the Central Office
of Information, provides valuable and up-to-date information on
the problem presented by this mode of living.
It is recognised in the report that the powers of control should
be strengthened and as a result "The Caravan Sites and Control
of Development Bill" has been presented to Parliament with that
object in view.
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