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Drayton House, Hornsey Road )
Hatton House, " )
Highbury House, " ) Represented 7.9.70. Order confirmed by Minister 31.12.71.
Holloway House, " )
Ingram House, " )
Javens' Chambers, Clerkenwell Road Dealt with by Closing Orders. Tenants rehoused. Planning permission
given for conversion to office use.
Palmerston Buildings, City Garden Row. Acquired for demolition. Part of H.D.A. 60
Pembroke House, Stanmore Street. Acquired and now part vacant
Salisbury Buildings, Clerkenwell Close. Acquired for demolition. Now vacant.
The Purchase of tenement blocks
Colne House, Offord Road. Terms agreed for purchase.
Thatched House Buildings, Essex Road. Purchased
W.S. Horner Estate, Canonbury Avenue Terms agreed for purchase.
The Improvement of tenement blocks
During 1971 improvements were carried out in 8 tenement blocks and there were 9 applications
made for improvement grants affecting tenements.
In one case. Guinness Buildings, Lever Street, the owners have decided to demolish the tenements
and replace them with flats of a modern standard.
GENERAL IMPROVEMENT AREAS
The high degree of multi-occupation in the Borough makes the large scale use of these powers impractical
but there are some small areas where at least a modified use of the procedures can be considered.
The initial inspection of houses is carried out by the Public Health Inspectorate and recommendations
for suitable areas are made to the Director of Development.
The problems of multi-occupation are now being vigorously combated. In the Registration pilot
areas inspections are made house by house, and all available statutory powers are being used to improve
the conditions. The main objective is to control the occupancy in such houses and to ensure that the basic
amenities are provided.
MEANS OF ESCAPE FROM FIRE
Systematic inspection within selected areas of houses in multi-occupation was continued by Fire
Inspectors working under the provisions of the Housing Act 1961 (Section 16) to obtain satisfactory means
of escape from fire.
This action was concentrated in the northern part of the Borough. The Registration areas are also
being inspected in conjunction with the Public Health Inspectors to secure joint action under the Housing
Act 1961 (Sections 15,16 and 19) to provide sufficient amenities, means of escape and to control the
occupancy.
34 cases of fires in multi-occupied properties were reported by the London Fire Brigade and five
fatalities occurred. Each case reported is investigated and notices served where appropriate.
Premises occupied by persons applying to be registered as Child Minders and Play Groups were
inspected, and in most cases the Inspector was able to recommend registration subject to the provision of
adequate safeguards.
Properties for which applications for mortgages or grants are made are also inspected and the
Borough Valuer is notified of the requirements necessary for proper means of escape.
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