ENG-1968 — Page 188

LAND AND HOUSING

135

The control and enforcement sections of the Buildings Ordin- ance Office continued to investigate illegal building works and material changes of use in private buildings. As the majority of such unauthorized changes create fire, structural or health hazards to the occupants of the buildings, direct and immediate action is generally required. Investigation was made in respect of a total of 835 reports of illegal works from public and private sources during 1968 which resulted in 3,850 statutory notices being served, requiring remedial works. 2,944 statutory notices were complied with while the balance remains subject to continued action.

The City District Officers, working in liaison with the Buildings Ordinance Office staff, have proved to be of great assistance by explaining to owners and occupiers what the notices require.

The dangerous buildings division continued to deal with emer- gencies and complaints from the public and government depart- ments and progress was made, as time permitted, on planned building-by-building surveys covering selected areas of old buildings in the Colony.

The repair or demolition of many old buildings whose ownership has reverted to the Crown continued to be carried out. 129 redevelopment orders and 173 redevelopment notices were issued during the year, requiring owners to demolish and redevelop dangerous buildings while protecting the compensation rights of

tenants.

During the year a greater number of orders was issued for the repair of buildings than for complete demolition. One of the reasons for this change in emphasis was that a greater number of reinforced concrete framed pre- and post-war buildings are now coming under review, such buildings being more susceptible to repair than the older load-bearing brick- or stone-walled buildings.

During the year the Appeal Tribunal was called upon on two occasions to determine appeals by owners whose buildings had been made the subject of demolition orders. In one of these cases the Appeal Tribunal, while accepting that the buildings were dangerous, upheld the appeal of the owners and substituted orders for ex- tensive repairs.