The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has admitted there were faults in gas heating systems in hundreds of Belfast homes which could have caused the deaths of householders.
Problems with the new gas systems were first highlighted by the Greater Shankill Community Council (GSCC) which was so worried that it applied for a judicial review in the High Court.
Mr Frank McCourbrey, a member of the council and former deputy Lord Mayor, said they became concerned following a large number of "blow-outs" in homes in the Highfield area.
In his sworn affidavit he said one householder made 39 complaints about gas fumes escaping into her living room. In two other homes, the gas installations failed 13 separate tests.
He said inspectors ordered "immediate shutdown" in two other homes after appliances failed smoke tests.
The GSCC's action was against the Housing Exeuctive's decision to continue to use certain sub-contractors to install and maintain the natural gas systems.
But the case has been withdrawn after the executive wrote to the GSCC outlining a 15-point plan to overcome the problems.
The letter from Mr Colm Macaulay, director of client services, said the executive had underestimated the extent of the problem and this led to delays in putting in place a remedial works programme.
The letter went on: while our initial technical judgment was to await the servicing programme, with hindsight, this was an incorrect course of action.
"The servicing programme which was undertaken failed to identify many of the problems."
Solicitor Mr Stephen Mucifying, who acted for the GSCC, said this case would have an impact throughout the North on the provision of heating contracts and the health and safety of residents in public housing.
A Housing Executive spokesman said it was hoped the new measures would ensure new heating installations met the highest standard.