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This is the first full year in which the Department has been responsible for approval of applications
under Section 35 of the London Building Acts (Amendments) Act 1939. This section deals mainly with the
provision of proper means of escape in larger properties which are converted into smaller units such as
flats or maisonettes. Over 200 applications were dealt with and it is likely that this number will increase
with the current improvement and conversion impetus.
UNLAWFUL OCCUPATION - SQUATTERS
Two instances arose during the year, the first in Victoria Dwellings, E.C.1. an extensive and derelict
block of tenements. Following a G.L.C. Clearance Order in 1968, the tenants were rehoused and the vacant
buildings boarded up.
The presence of a small group of young people was noted by the Inspector in August; describing themselves
as the London Street Commune, they numbered about 8 permanently residing individuals, aged
between 18 and 30. At that time, the Inspector's principal concerns were with basic sanitation and fire
hazard, warnings and advice being given. The dwellings had no main services and sanitary fitments were
mainly broken or unuseable. The group had an elected "leader", appeared cohesive, enthusiastic and
determined. Two useable closets were cleansed and whitewashed, being flushed by slopwater. By early
September, the situation had deteriorated considerably, occupation spread to all other blocks (5 in all),
number accommodated at night and week-ends was in excess of 80 persons, any semblance of control or
organisation had disappeared and "hooligan" activities gave rise to public complaint and police enquiry.
To minimise a considerable risk to health, substantial quantities of waste matter were cleared, and
disinfection and disinfestation carried out by arrangement with the owners. Regular visits continued, and
pressure previously broughtto bear on the owner's Agents and the GLC to implement clearance was increased.
Fires occurred in October, and a cleansing process again became necessary. One contractor refused
absolutely to clear excrement and other waste. A young man interviewed by the Inspector stated he had
lived permanently in the premises for over a year, cutting out flooring for firewood, cooking on the open
grate and periodically cleaning the flue from the roof by hoisting and lowering a brick tied to a length of
rope!
Following the fires a small group of young people took up occupation in Bartholomew Buildings,
E.C.1. A demolition contract was in progress here, but occupation was confined to vacant flats above
occupied shop premises fronting Central Street and the vandalistic activities of this teen-age group caused
serious complaints. Several of the occupants approached the Finsbury Health Centre seeking personal
cleansing, a service provided under Section 85 of the Public Health Act 1936. Both persons and premises
were accordingly treated; demolition workers subsequently made the vacated flats uninhabitable and
occupation ceased.
From these events, we have been made acutely aware that, short of eviction or demolition, no
immediate action is available to gain possession of property occupied in this way; that to prevent such
circumstances and hazards arising it is essential for vacant and derelict property destined for clearance to
be made uninhabitable, and that there is a pressing need for cheap, clean and organised hostel accommodation
for the seasonal influx of young people to London.
NOISE
NOISE ABATEMENT ACT, 1960
The number of complaints of noise recorded during the year dropped by a third to sixty-four. Each
complaint was investigated and it was considered that twelve which concerned nuisance from noisy animals
or wireless sets, amplifiers, etc., came within the scope of the relevant bye-laws and complainants were
advised to take the prescribed action requiring the service of a notice by three householders.
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