bad news is that it still contains a requirement for lighting and ventilation in all main rooms, so that there will still be a tendency to alter window openings or raise roofs - both of which are damaging to the integrity of a building. ACO urges its members who have strong views on this to make them known. Action against unfit dwellings The ACO does not welcome more promptness to carry out demolition orders if, as in the 1960's, this results in tragic losses. Many houses then declared unfit, but which escaped demolition, are today fine examples of their type because the private sector took an interest in their future. Thete is a virtual.scrapping of the concept of 'repair only at reasonable cost' - the advice seems to be that if a tenant can be re-housed, and the property put on the market, its value can increase significantly. Clearance (para 69) There is some evidence that the government is still sitting on the fence on this, despite an assurance the days of large scale slum clearance are over. The ACO feels that the encouragement of private developers needs to be guarded, especially where clearance of land is concerned. Local authorities must not be put in a position where they are under pressure to clear land so that developers can make a profit. This is very 'anti-conservation', Also the proposals for recompensing owners at market value could encourage neglect. Conclusion Regrettably, once again the opportunity has been lost to combine Housing Act grant and ~onservation grants, for optimum effect and to avoid loss of character. There should be a positive exhortation in this paper for local authorities to channel their resources in this way, particularly in rural areas and in conservation areas. Neither is there any mention of the importance of areas retaining their character through the retention of traditional building materials and regional characteristics, and yet Page 8 Housing Act grants and loans are still going to be the single biggest injection of capital which a house receives. This paper should encourage conservation officers and agencies organizing renovation work, and local authority improvement grant officers, to work positively together for the good of the environment. The ACO favours an emphasis in Housing Act grant on the provision of bathrooms and kitchens, and the basic repair of roofs using the existing cladding, and alleviation of damp problems - and recommends that interfer.Ence with the structure which frequently results in loss of important features should be halted. Carol Ryan West Midlands HOMEIMPROVEMENT- A NEWAPPROACH Government Proposals for Encouraging the Repair and Improvement of Private Sector Housiag in England and Wales. HMSO May 1985 £3.50 Editor's Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the members of ACO generally. PLASTIC CANOPIES NOT ACCEPTABLE ON LISTED BUILDING The Secretary of State recently refused an appeal against the decision of Salisbury District Council to refuse planning permission and listed building consent for the erection of a plastic canopy at the entrance to a club in a listed building. The Inspector's report concluded: '' The canopy to which the appeals relate forms an inappropriate and undesirable addition, both in regard to its design and materials, on the facade of the listed building. Furthermore, it is prominent in the views along the street of this and other listed buildings. Consequently, in my opinion the canopy is detrimental to the appearance and character of the listed building Journal of Planning Law, 1985, p669 Ref. SW/APP/T3915/A/84/022468
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