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New schemes taken over included 31/32, Gloucester Circus,
specifically for elderly citizens in this part of the borough. These
flatlets meet an urgently growing need, and also assist in resolving
the position of older Council tenants under-occupying four and
five roomed houses and flats, which are thereby made available
for re-occupation by larger families.
Like the Hervey Road scheme, Gloucester Circus has every
modern labour saving facility; underfloor space heating, constant
hot water and in addition a self-operated passenger lift. Resident
Warden service is provided for the welfare of all the tenants.
The Council's new building programme includes estates of
some 350 dwellings of houses, flats and maisonettes, at Vanbrugh
Park, Haddo Street, Heathway and Wellington Gardens, all of
which will be handed over for occupation during 1964.
Further new schemes already approved will increase the housing
stock by some 900 homes towards the close of 1966.
By arrangement with the London County Council, the Kidbrooke
Park Close estate of 48 prefabricated bungalows has been
taken over for redevelopment by the Council towards the end
of 1964. This scheme will provide 77 new dwellings. The families
at present in occupation will be suitably rehoused by the Council
elsewhere in the borough.
It is also anticipated that during the next three years, other
temporary bungalow housing sites will be appropriately dealt
with.
Progress is also being well maintained under programme of
improving and modernising the older type houses, erected by the
Council some 30 years previously under earlier legislation.
In accordance with the policy established by the Council
several years ago, private properties offered for sale are acquired
by negotiation with the owners. Where necessary these properties
are improved, and in many cases converted into self-contained
flats to a very good standard indeed, and form a valuable contribution
to the Council's housing resources.
General Waiting List—As at 31st December, 1963, the total
registrations represented 1,735 compared with 1,647 for the corresponding
period of 1962.
Having regard to the Council's new house building programme,
coupled with the house building activities in the private
sector, the waiting list figures under review would appear to be
something of a paradox. Two very important reasons are advanced
to explain this position: earlier marriages of young people, and