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IMPROVEMENT GRANTS AND AREAS
In consultation with the Borough Engineer and Surveyor advice
has been submitted to the Council in 150 instances during
the year. A pilot survey was carried out of Honiton and Cotleigh
Road properties in connection with a compulsory improvement
area. The information has not yet been published.
UNDERGROUND ROOMS
The Council approved and submitted to the Minister of Housing
and Local Government for confirmation Regulations made
under Section 18(2) of the Housing Act, 1957, to control the use of
underground rooms for human habitation within the Borough and
to close such rooms if thought necessary.
These Regulations, if confirmed, will provide a valuable
method of tackling the minimal underground room problem (there
are probably less than a dozen in the Borough).
CARAVANS
The control of caravans is now a joint responsibility. The
Planning Department undertakes the removal of itinerant caravans
and licensing, whilst the Health and Welfare Department deals with
all enforcement of byelaws, hygiene control and general environmental
problems.
(I) The long-term problem of a permanent but unauthorised
caravan site in the southern part of the Borough achieved
finality with the closure of the site at the beginning of the
year following compulsory purchase, the rehousing of the
caravan dwellers where necessary and the storage and eventual
disposal of certain of the vans.
(II) A small privately run site on a farm at Noak Hill which had
planning permission for 14 caravans and which permission
had been extended for a period of 18 months to expire on
30th June, 1965, was also closed. The bulk of these caravans
was transferred to the Council's Broxhill site.
(III) The permanent site in the central part of Romford received
further planning permission from the Essex County Council
in September, 1964, which expires on the 31st December,
1967.
The site licence limits the number of vans to 73 and
requires that any caravans vacated or removed from the
site shall not be replaced by other occupants or vans.
Complaints were received regarding the conditions appertaining
to this site and the matter is receiving the attention
of the Borough Planning Officer in conjunction with
this Department.
(IV) There is also another privately run residential site on a farm
at Noak Hill containing some 135 vans. This site is well
maintained and supervised.
(V) The Council owns the Broxhill Residential Caravan Site
consisting of 66 caravans. This is administered by the Housing
Department who maintain day to day control through a
Warden who lives in a caravan on the site.
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