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infectious disease, etc., and it is essential to the welfare of the Borough that the standard of
efficiency attained in these branches should not be lowered by unduly concentrating the efforts of
the staff of the Public Health Department on housing work.
In spite of the work accomplished there is still much to be done. There are over 3,000 houses
let in lodgings not on the Council's Register of such dwellings, and in many cases these require
careful inspection for the purpose of determining whether registration is needed.
Of the 2,169 houses on the Register at the beginning of 1923, 912 have been subjected to
detailed inspection with a view to bringing them up to the standard decided upon by the Council
in January, 1923. It will take at least another eighteen months of steady work in order to deal
with the remaining 1,257.
In considering the work which lies ahead, there is one important point to be remembered in
regard to tenement houses, particularly those occupied by many families, and in which almos
every room is used for living and sleeping purposes. As soon as repair and cleansing works have
been completed deterioration sets in again. When, therefore, the owners have spent considerable
sums of money in carrying out the requirements of the Council in these houses, it is desirable that
the Sanitary Inspectors should pay visits as frequently as possible in order to ensure, as far as is
in their power, that the efforts of the owners are not neutralised by the gross neglect and
carelessness of indifferent tenants.
The work is never ending, but there is ample evidence that the standard of housing conditions
in North Kensington is gradually improving—with perseverance and goodwill on the part of all
concerned, this progress can be maintained with the result that the inhabitants will enjoy better
health and greater happiness.
NEW HOUSING ACCOMMODATION.
1. Provided by the Council.
The provision of additional housing accommodation under the Housing, Town Planning, etc.,
Act, 1919, and amending Acts, has been delegated by the Council to a Special Housing Committee,
which Committee have been given all the powers possessed by the Council in regard to the
preparation and execution of housing schemes except the power to borrow money or make a rate.
After considering a report submitted by the Medical Officer of Health in 1919, which indicated
that 314 houses would be required in the next three years to meet the needs of the Borough, the
Special Housing Committee prepared three schemes which were approved by the Council and the
Ministry of Health. The following are particulars in regard to each scheme:—
(a) Scheme for the purchase and conversion into flats of large houses.
The Ministry of Health, acting as agents of the Council, purchased, in the northern halt
of the Borough, 19 houses which were converted, during the year 1920, into 102 flats or
maisonettes.
The flats are all occupied and provide accommodation for about 400 persons.
The cost of acquisition and conversion into flats was £84,518 and the total annual rentals
(exclusive of rates and taxes) amount to £5,630.
(b) Mary Place Scheme.
This scheme, comprising a group of 32 cottages known as Avondale Park Gardens,
was completed in 1922, and the cost for land, building, etc., was £41,892.
Each of these cottages consists of two living rooms and three bedrooms and the total
rentals amount to £1,290 per annum (exclusive of rates and taxes).
These 32 cottages provide accommodation for about 250 persons.
v(c) St. Quintin Estate Scheme.
The land originally acquired measured nine acres, the price paid being £13,500 or
£1,500 per acre. The lay-out of the land was approved by the Ministry of Health and
provided for the erection of 208 cottages and maisonettes.
The first and second sections, comprising 8 cottages and 76 flats, have been completed
and all the premises are occupied. Each cottage consists of a living room, kitchen, scullery
and four bedrooms. Of the flats, 32 contain a living room, kitchen and three bedrooms ;
the remaining 44 flats consist of living room, kitchen and two bedrooms. The total
rentals amount to £2,846 per annum (exclusive of rates and taxes).
The cost of erecting these 8 cottages and 76 flats amounts, up to the present time,
to £85,066, and accommodation has been found for about 400 persons.
There is now in course of erection the third section of the scheme, comprising of
5 cottages and 38 flats. The contract price for the construction of the buildings is £21,677,
but this figure is subject to variation on completion of the work. Particulars of accommodation
provided in this third section and rents to be charged are appended.