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under the provisions of the clearance area sections of the Act. Houses in an unfit condition are
not, therefore, in themselves a particular problem. The repair and/or demolition provisions of
the Housing Act have been adequate for the purpose
It is now time to look forward, more particularly to that class of property which, whilst it
may be in reasonably good structural condition, is lacking in amenities. There are many houses
in the Borough in this category, without proper hot water supply and lacking in bathing facilities
Surely in this day and age the provision of an adequate supply of hot water and proper facilities
for bathing should no longer be considered as merely amenities. It is of interest to note that when
an application is being considered for improvement grant, on completion of the improvement the
house must satisfy a twelve point standard of condition-two of the items listed are hot water
supply and a bath.
Unfit Houses
During the year under review "official representations" were submitted to, and Orders made
by, the Council in respect of the following areas.
Northumberland Park 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6
This was an area made up of 94 houses in Park Lane, Northumberland Grove, Northumberland
Park (both sides), Willoughby Lane and part of Willoughby Park Road. The areas of compulsory
purchase included a number of commercial premises.
Gourley Street, Gourley Place, Purnford Street
This is an area to be dealt with under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning
Acts, and declarations of unfitness were submitted in respect of the majority of the dwelling
houses in the area.
Durnford Street was subsequently acquired by the Council in agreement with the owners.
Public Inquiries were held in respect of two areas.
(1) Tewkesbury No. 6-this was the second public inquiry held inrespect of what is known
as the school site, the Council having resolved to acquire the area by compulsory purchase.
(2) Markfield Development-a public inquiry was held inrespect of the compulsory purchase
order under the Town and Country Planning Acts and also into the declaration of unfitness order
in respect of the majority of the dwelling houses in the area.
(3) In the case of the Tewkesbury Area No. 8, comprising part of the terrace of the even
numbers in Tewkesbury Road, the Minister dispensed with a public inquiry but the houses were
visited by one of his inspectors.
Confirmations
The Minister confirmed the following orders during the year, in some cases with slight
modification.
Tewkesbury Area No. 6 (school site) 88 houses
Tewkesbury Area No. 8 6 houses
Markfield Development 50 houses