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However, anticipating the problem is one thing but moving the
"at risk" persons to more suitable ground floor, "purpose-built"
or "sheltered" accommodation, however desirable, is likely to be an
unattainable objective for present housing, especially for the elderly,
is already inadequate and indications are that the position will
deteriorate still further.
A partial solution to this serious problem could be provided by
the correction of under-occupation of property, especially in local
authority dwellings. The G.L.C. reports that over 14% of its
dwellings (i.e., more than 30,000) are under-occupied by 2 rooms
or more and, at their cottage estates such as Becontree, Downham.
Roehampton, etc., on an average, nearly one dwelling in every 3
is under-occupied by 2 or more rooms. This had led it to consider
schemes to build more small dwellings.
Re-housing is now recognised as a social duty but this can so
easily be performed without heart or humanity. Perhaps housing
estates might be better balanced and therefore more satisfactory
if they were planned not merely as so many units of accommodation
as they so often are but also with a greater emphasis than hitherto
on the potential social, health and welfare effects for, in the long
run, it is these matters which will determine the happiness of the
coming generation.
Housing Act, 1957
Part II—The following procedures were carried out during
1967:—
(i) Premises Unfit for Human Habitation—Sections 16 and
17.—The undermentioned premises were considered unfit for
human habitation and not capable at reasonable expense of being
rendered fit. In five instances Undertakings were accepted to
render premises so fit within a specified period and Closing or
Demolition Orders were made in respect of the remainder as
follows :—
(a) Undertakings
79 Raglan Road, S.E.18
48 Red Lion Lane, S.E.18
8 Waverley Road, S.E.18
20 Westdale Road, S.E.18
71 Westdale Road, S.E.18
(b) Closing Orders
56 Abbey Grove, S.E.2
7 Albury Street, S.E.8
51 Ancona Road, S.E.18