View report page

TENEMENT DWELLINGS
Responsibility for dealing with sub-standard tenement blocks is shared with the Greater London
Council. Unfit tenements are represented or acquired for eventual demolition. Improvable tenements are
considered by a working party of officers who seek the views and co-operation of the owners and in
appropriate cases the service of improvement notices is recommended.
TENEMENTS DEALT WITH BY THE BOROUGH
There were originally 24 tenement blocks classified as unfit for habitation. At the end of 1972 all
had been demolished, represented or acquired for eventual demolition.
PURCHASE
In appropriate cases the Council considers the purchase of tenement blocks. In 1972, negotiations
were completed for the purchase of the following:
Colne House, Offord Road
W.S. Horner Estate, Canonbury Avenue
Liverpool Buildings, Liverpool Road
IMPROVEMENT
During 1972 improvements were carried out to 8 tenement blocks and there were 12 tenement
blocks for which the owners had applied for grants or submitted plans. The service of improvement notices
was authorised for 7 tenement blocks.
MEANS OF ESCAPE FROM FIRE
Systematic inspection of houses in multiple occupation was continued by the fire inspectors working
under the provisions of the Housing Act 1961 (Section 16) to obtain satisfactory means of escape from fire.
52 cases of fires in multiple-occupied properties were reported by the London Fire Brigade and 4
fatalities occurred. Each case reported is investigated and notices served, where appropriate.
Premises occupied by persons applying to be registered as child minders and playgroups were inspected
and, subject to the provision of adequate safeguards, the inspectors were able to recommend registration.
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 from fire.
This is the second year in which the department has been responsible for approval of applications
under Section 35 of the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939. This section deals mainly with
the provision of proper means of escape in larger properties converted into smaller units such as flats or
maisonettes. Nearly 300 applications were dealt with, a 50% increase over the previous year.
47