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The Area covering approximately 20 acres, comprised 417 properties, 328 of which were considered
to be unfit for human habitation and 89 were considered fit, these are of necessity included so that the redevelopment
of the whole area can be proceeded with according to a properly phased programme. The
Ministry of Housing and Local Government held a Public Inquiry, which commenced on the 8th November,
1965, and continued for five weeks until the 10th December 1965. During this time, 296 objections were
heard in relation to 237 properties.
The objectors mounted a massive attack on the Council and its officers; it is understood that the
Inquiry lasted longer than any other and there was the largest ever number of objectors.
The inspection of the properties by the Inspector from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government
followed the Public Inquiry, and the Council are now awaiting the Minister's decision.
In June 1965 the Brent Borough Council made a Clearance Area of Malvern Place and part of
Malvern Road ; this area comprises 23 unfit houses and was dealt with at the same Public Inquiry.
A further Area comprising part of Cambridge Road and the whole of Rudolph Road, involving
17 unfit properties was also dealt with and confirmed by the Minister after a Public Inquiry.
In addition to this work, surveys were commenced in the Nicoll Road Area and the Lower Place
Industrial Area C.D.A., which are not already in Council ownership. Approximately 80 houses are involved
in the latter area.
House-to-House Inspection and Multiple Occupation
House-to-house inspection was carried out during the year. Although hampered by shortage of staff
and the difficulty of carrying out 'work in default', a great deal of work was done in combating multiple
occupation to secure the provision of amenities and general repair. This is a most time-consuming project
and many additional public health inspectors would have to be recruited before any appreciable inroads into
the problem could be made.
83 notices under section 15, Housing Act, 1961, requiring the provision of additional amenities, and
112 directions under section 19 of the Act to overcome overcrowding in houses in multiple occupation were
served.
Overcrowding
There has been little change in the extent of overcrowding which still remains acute.
The Housing Manager has kindly supplied the details of overcrowding in the area, which have
been based mainly on statements of housing applicants (Table 29), and also details of new dwellings
constructed during the year (Table 30).
Notices served under the Public Health Acts, 1936 and 1961, and Housing Acts, 1957 and 1961
There was a decrease in the number of statutory notices served during the year, compared with 1964
(Table 31).
No management orders under section 12, Housing Act, 1961, were served during the year.
Nuisances abated and improvements effected
A summary of nuisances abated and improvements effected in dwelling houses is shown in Table 32.
Rent Act, 1957
Details of the applications received and the certificates issued up to the end of the year are shown in
Table 33.
CLEAN AIR
The Clean Air Act, 1956, came into operation on the 1st June 1958, and further progress has been
made in the establishment of Smoke Control Areas provided for in the Act.
Three Smoke Control Areas became operational as follows:—
No. 10 (St. Andrew's) covering 310 acres with 2,226 dwellings, and 54 commercial and other
premises was confirmed by the Minister of Housing and Local Government on the 18th November 1964 and
came into operation on the 1st November 1965.
No. 11 (Barham) covering 279 acres with 2,162 dwellings and 176 commercial and other premises was
confirmed by the Minister on the 18th November 1964 and came into operation on the 1st November 1965.
No. 7 (Brondesbury Park) covering 409 acres with 5,042 dwellings and 214 commercial and other
premises was confirmed by the Minister on the 21st May 1965 and came into operation on the 1st December 1965