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62
The inhabitants in this area live under grossly insanitary conditions,
the chief being the fact that the houses are built on lowlying
land, with the result that their drainage systems are not only
liable to, but are continually surcharged with sewage from the
London County Council's main sewer. It frequently occurs that
the soil immediately under the floor boards is in a semi-liquid
condition through the admixture of liquid sewage. These houses
are undoubtedly unfit for human habitation, but under the present
housing conditions generally closing orders cannot be obtained,
and the occupation of the houses is therefore allowed to continue.
I understand from the District Surveyor that he proposes at an
early date to go through this property and serve notices on the
various owners requiring them to effect certain substantial structural
alterations under the Dangerous Structures clauses of the Building
Act. This suggests that at 'he present time the property should
be purchasable for very little more than its site value, whereas if
these extensive structural alterations were carried out it would be
necessary to pay a much greater amount for the houses by reason
of the expense known to be incurred.
I accordingly suggested to the Committee that it would be
desirable for the Council to give serious consideration to the
question of purchasing, by arrangement With the London County
Council and the Ministry of Health, the whole of this block, and
then to deal with the properties by six or eight houses at a time,
all new properties erected being placed upon pillars at a considerable
level above the present ground surface, and the whole of the
site covered with concrete.
I think in this way very satisfactory dwellings could be provided
for the persons who desire to live in this neighbourhood by
reason of its close proximity to their work, etc.
Upon a full consideration of this Report the Public Health
Committee decided to take no action.
Closing Orders.-—A point has arisen in connection with the
housing problem which is materially tying our hands at the present
time. .Notices to abate pressing nuisances were served on the
owners of certain properties which are admittedly in an insanitary
condition, and need closing and demolition, and this, under pre-war