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117
Housing
Last year, in the housing section of my report, I stated "but nevertheless
it is anticipated that whatever area is submitted as a Clearance
Area, objections will be received from the owners leading to the ineviable
Housing Inquiry, causing lengthy delays before action can be taken
to rehouse the tenants and"demolish the houses".
The correctness of this statement can be judged from the fact that
during 1969, five Public Inquiries were held, three regarding Compulsory
Purchase Orders made in 1968 all of which were subsequently confirmed
with minor variations and two regarding Compulsory Purchase Orders
made by the Council in the early part of 1969 for which the Minister's
decision is still awaited. Confirmation with slight variations was also
received in 1969 regarding a Compulsory Purchase Order made in 1968
and a further Compulsory Purchase Order made in 1968 is still awaiting
a Public Inquiry.
Fortunately a Clearance Order dealing with only four houses invoked
no objections and rehousing is now in progress prior to rapid demolition
of the premises.
Closing Orders were made with regard to seven houses found to be
incapable of repair at reasonable cost whilst one Closing Order made by
the former Borough of Wansteaa and Woodford was rescinded following
extensive works; of repair under the supervision of the public health
inspector.
During the year, 117 houses were informally surveyed to assist the
Borough Engineer's Planning Department who were conducting a Redevelopment
Study Survey in two of the older and more congested areas
of the Borough.
An increasing number of properties, namely 160, subject of applications
for grants were surveyed for fitness.
The Housing Act 1969 produced 149 applications from owners,
agents, etc. for Qualification Certificates under S.44 of the Act. This
Certificate, which enables the owner to apply to the Rent Officer for a
regulated rent to be fixed can only be issued if the Council are satisfied
in respect of the controlled dwelling:-