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15
1. (a) The influx of munition workers during the late
War who were employed at Woolwich and Dartford,
and have since remained in residence here,
(b) The removal here of persons from the more
overcrowded parts of inner London.
2. The absence since 1914 of the erection of houses for
those unable to purchase them; and the natural
increase of families from that date.
3. The inability of those families with young children to
find or afford the necessary accommodation.
Some twelve months ago the Council submitted to the
Ministry of Health a Scheme for the erection of 50 houses
with sufficient land for the erection of 50 more, should they
be found necessary. The latter scheme was dropped owing to
various difficulties, whilst the former scheme has been now
sanctioned in respect of 12 houses, for which roads and sewers
are under course of construction and the work of building
will commence about the end of February, 1926.
The general standard of houses within the District is that
suitable for the middle classes, and it is estimated that not
more than 20 per cent, are those suitable for the lower classes.
The usual standard of defects found are those of fair wear
and tear, it generally being found that tenants are mindful
of their premises, and the landlords willing to accede to
representations.
Unsatisfactory conditions still obtain on the Queenswood
Estate. Inspection of the site still shows that numerous huts,
sheds and the like are being used by persons for the purpose
of habitation, more or less permanent. These fall roughly into
three categories:—
(a) Those occupied.as temporary premises whilst a proper
bungalow is being built in accordance with plans duly
deposited and approved.
(b) Those huts which, although having every appearance
of being occupied, are locked up and empty when
inspected.
Curtains at the windows, the presence of chimneys
and other indications point to the probability that
these are occupied nightly or for week-ends.
(c) Those huts occupied by persons who profess to be
about to build bungalows, but who show no indication
of commencing to do so, and who further do not
appear to be in a financial position to undertake the
work.