BUILDING LAWS.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18169, 6 November 1930, Page 9

BUILDING LAWS.

I BOROUGH RULINGS. AGAIN UNDER CONSIDERATION. The Hamilton Borough Council at Its meeting on October 22 decided to decline an application to erect a wood and iron building with concrete floors In the brick area at Prankton as being contrary to the by-la\vs-The subject again came under discussion at the Council meeting last evening upon the reading of the following letter. Messrs Higgins and Sandos wrote that the decision invojved them in a most serious position, and if insisted upon, a serious hardship. Upon receipt of the Council’s notice drawing attention to the reported insanitary condition of the rear annexe they disoussed the question of rebuilding with the assistant inspector and understood that if they built in iron and wood on a concrete foundation that the premises could then be passed as “ sanitary,” and the writers submitted that they would be so. They thereupon Instructed the builder to proceed with such a building. After the foundations had been laid the Inspector said he could not accept the plans and specifications, which the builder had submitted to him in the meantime, until he had placed them before tlfb council. The first scheme provided for a concrete iloor with a raised kerb or foundation of concrete, from six to eight inches high, which with the new sewerage installation involved would render the premises absolutely sanitary. For this reason they contended the by-law was harsh, especially as they had to reduce the rent twice, each time by £l, in recent times, and the tenanoy would not stand the further outlay, as required by the Counoil, of approximately £4OO. The premises had never been profitable and even in; the boom period a portion or portions were frequently empty. The Council’s by-laws, it was stated, fiad been modified in practice more than once in the same area to permit a reasonable limit. The Mayor, Mr J. R. Fow in suggesting that a temporary permit be granted the applicants said that he did not feel too happy about it. The district was the front door of the town and High Street was an important thoroughfare-' It had been proclaimed’'a brick area to improve it. However, there was merit in what the applicants said and as,the Council had already held them up for three weeks a temporary permit should be granted. This was possible under the by-law.. Cr. P. H. Clapham said he was glad the Mayor had made the suggestion. The present building was a public disgrace and the whole thing should be pulled down. A wood and iron structure would be a decided improvement. Cr C. J. W. Barton in supporting the motion stated his opinion that the adjoining blocks would not be built on for years. , Cr. S. V. Tylhr considered the time would shortly arrive, if it had not already done so, when the Council would have to alter its by-law according to the present.'"l It was decided to grant a temporary permit. jii ficUia I*l