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57 visits were made to premises to ascertain "permitted
Numbers", and the owners of the premises were informed.
In order to prevent overcrowding, 69 inspections were
made for the Governments of Cyprus and Malta of accommodation
alleged to be available in the Borough for intending
immigrants.
Underground Rooms.
There are approximately 3,535 underground rooms in the
Borough used for living or sleeping purposes, about 3,415 of
which are unfit. During the year 349 inspections were
carried out, as a result of which 42 rooms were closed and
the modified occupation of 19 rooms approved. The number of
underground rooms closed since 1936 totals to date 278.
Progress on closure generally is held up for lack of suitable
alternative accommodation.
Town and Country Planning (Housing Accommodation) Direction.
Under this Order, the Borough Council is consulted by
the London County Council (the Planning Authority) before
applications are determined for planning permission' for
development involving change of user of premises from use as
a dwelling. Investigations on 48 such applications were
carried out during the year.
Applications for Rehousing.
At the end of the year there were 5,563 applications
for rehousing on the Housing Manager's register (109 less
than in 1953), including 312 tenants of Council dwellings
and 469 licensees of, requisitioned premises who applied for
transfers.
Preferential Housing on Health Grounds.
Of the 116 cases investigated, 60 were recommended for
rehousing: 1 to the County Council and 59 to the Borough
Council.
Temporary Hutments.
154 hutments owned by the Borough Council remained at
the end of the year. Hutments recommended for demolition
during the year because of structural deterioration
numbered 21.
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