Works Department were temporarily posted to this office to assist in this work.
3.15. Further, it was considered that in view of the serious and far-reaching results of a refusal by the Building Authority to allow work to commence, there should be a speedy and effective means of appealing against his decision in these cases. Accordingly, legislation is now under preparation for the formation of a Panel of authorized architects, from which 'Committees of Review' can be appointed to hear such appeals. The Committees will have 3 members, and will be empowered, should they disagree with the Building Authority's decision, to direct the latter to allow work to proceed, subject to such precautions as they think fit. The intention of the legislation is to eliminate lengthy hearings and legal arguments in order to provide a speedy decision, and to that end, legal representation by either side is not permitted.
Assistance to other Government Departments
3.16. The routine assistance extended to other Government Departments was continued and included 986 inspections of licensed premises and schools.
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS DIVISION
Chief Building Surveyor:
J. G. STEAN, A.R.I.C.S.
3.17. During the year the Dangerous Buildings Division was expanded and brought under the control of a Chief Building Surveyor (in common with the three general divisions).
3.18. The object of forming this division was to seek out, and deal with, dilapidated buildings before they become so dangerous as to threaten the lives of the occupants and passers-by, and to administer the Demolished Buildings (Re-development of Sites) Ordinance, 1963.
3.19. So far, planned surveys of buildings have had to be undertaken on a very limited scale, because the staff (which is at present only up to 30% of its establishment) have been fully occupied in dealing with collapses, and cases brought to their attention by other Divisions of the office or by reports from other sources.
3.20. Nevertheless, during the year, 371 Closure Orders were obtained (including those referred to in para. 3.12 above) in respect of buildings which had become dangerous; 322 demolition orders were issued; and 272 notices were served to carry out repairs.
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Works Department were temporarily posted to this office to assist in this work.
3.15. Further, it was considered that in view of the serious and far- reaching results of a refusal by the Building Authority to allow work to commence, there should be a speedy and effective means of appeal- ing against his decision in these cases. Accordingly, legislation is now under preparation for the formation of a Panel of authorized architects, from which 'Committees of Review' can be appointed to hear such appeals. The Committees will have 3 members, and will be empowered, should they disagree with the Building Authority's decision, to direct the latter to allow work to proceed, subject to such precautions as they think fit. The intention of the legislation is to eliminate lengthy hearings and legal arguments in order to provide a speedy decision, and to that end, legal representation by either side is not permitted.
Assistance to other Government Departments
3.16. The routine assistance extended to other Government Depart- ments was continued and included 986 inspections of licensed premises and schools.
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS DIVISION
Chief Building Surveyor:
J. G. STEAN, A.R.I.C.S.
3.17. During the year the Dangerous Buildings Division was expanded and brought under the control of a Chief Building Surveyor (in common with the three general divisions).
3.18. The object of forming this division was to seek out, and deal with, dilapidated buildings before they become so dangerous as to threaten the lives of the occupants and passers-by, and to administer the Demol- ished Buildings (Re-development of Sites) Ordinance, 1963.
3.19. So far, planned surveys of buildings have had to be undertaken on a very limited scale, because the staff (which is at present only up to 30% of its establishment) have been fully occupied in dealing with col- lapses, and cases brought to their attention by other Divisions of the office or by reports from other sources.
3.20. Nevertheless, during the year, 371 Closure Orders were obtained (including those referred to in para. 3.12 above) in respect of buildings which had become dangerous; 322 demolition orders were issued; and 272 notices were served to carry out repairs.
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