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IV. HOUSING
Clearance Areas
During the year two Clearance Areas, involving ten houses, were
declared by the Borough Council.
Closing and Demolition Orders
The Council made a Demolition Order in respect of a disused factory
used for dwelling purposes. On appeal, a Closing Order was substituted
for the demolition order. Appeals lodged against the refusal by the
Council to permit three basement flats - the subject of closing orders
to be used for storage purposes were dismissed.
Overcrowding
During the year 28 cases of alleged overcrowding in dwellings were
investigated, 24 of which were confirmed and referred to the London County
Council. Overcrowding in houses-in-multiple occupation is. referred to
later in the Report.
Fifteen overcrowded families were rehoused by the London County
Council and five by the Borough Council. The Register of overcrowded
premises was reduced during the year from 183 to 174 families.
Underground Rooms
There are approximately 1,350 underground rooms in the borough used
for living or sleeping purposes, of which 1,300 are unfit. During the
year seven rooms were closed.
Town ?nd Country Planning (Housing Accommodation') Direction. 1952
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 of 20 such applications were
carried out during the year.
Applications for Rehousing
At the end of the year, there were 2,614 applications for rehousing
on the Housing Manager's register. These included the tenants of 184
Council dwellings who desired larger or smaller accommodation.
Preferential Housing on health grounds
Applications for preferential housing on health grounds investigated
during the year, numbered 54.
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