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63
In view of the foregoing instance, it appears to me desirable that where
the Council are of opinion that any dwelling houses are unfit to be
inhabited proceedings should be taken without delay for their closing.
The Act of 1903, Section 8, specially provides for the adoption of
such a course by the issue of a summons without any preliminary
notice to the owner.
Silver Street Area.
A number of houses which were individually represented by me
appeared to afford facilities for being treated as an area, their "closeness,
narrowness, and bad arrangement, &c.," being such as rendered them
best dealt with under a scheme of reconstruction. A plan was prepared
shewing the various premises included in this Area, and this, together
with further particulars, was forwarded to the London County Council.
Since then further information has been required, and the matter is
still in abeyance.
4, Fairfax Yard.—The accompanying plan represents a stable
dwelling which, upon inspection, was found to present most of the
undesirable features peculiar to this kind of dwelling. The stairs leading
to the dwelling house were approached from the coachhouse, which
communicated directly with a stable.
The water-closet was approached from the scullery, and one
bedroom was without a flue or any means of ventilation other than
the window, whilst the back bedroom was entirely without external
light or ventilation of any kind.
Notices were served upon the Owner under the Public Health Act,
with the result that the alterations as shown were agreed to and
carried out.
By this arrangement, the water-closet has a window in the external
wall and is approached from a well-lighted and ventilated passage. The
bedroom without light or ventilation was converted into an open flat,
which enabled a window sash and frame to be provided to the back
bedroom, and, at the same time, makes provision for the storage of house
refuse in the open air.
The front bedroom which had no flue was provided with means
of constant ventilation by the insertion of a 9in. by 6in. air brick in the
external wall at ceiling level, and the entrance to the house was cut off