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18
North Westminster Project
It was reported last year that work in the Rehabilitation Areas had been delayed as a result of the loss
of staff and the inability to replace them quickly. During 1972 the staff position improved and the process
of follow-up regarding individual premises commenced. The surveys were virtually completed in the
redevelopment areas and as a result of some minor boundary changes the survey of additional premises was
undertaken. The continuing response from owners already contacted still had to be given priority and it
was encouraging to find that despite the very genuine difficulties facing the private owner there was a
steady stream of schemes being submitted or discussed.
Certainly the difficulties in this area of intense multi-occupation did not diminish during the year. In
common with so many areas the price of property was rising as were both interest and building rates.
Moreover the reluctance of some tenants to accept alternative accommodation even when offered delayed
or prevented some schemes being implemented. There appeared to be a general reduction in the number of
premises coming onto the market and fewer premises were actually acquired by the City Council or
Housing Trusts. A small proportion of converted units of accommodation were offered for sale rather than
relet and thus the proportion of owner occupation was slightly increased.
During the year a further 120 units were commenced or completed in 33 houses, bringing the total
number of units brought up to the desired standard by private owners to some 293 units in 119 houses.
Taking the Council owned and Housing Trust premises into account it was calculated that some 30% of the
accommodation in these areas has now been brought up to the full standard of self containment with
exclusive facilities.
Slum Clearance
During the year action was taken as follows in respect of premises included in the Council's slum
clearance programme for the period 1970—73:—
Brewer Street, Green's Court, Peter Street Area: The compulsory purchase order under Part III,
Housing Act 1957, made by the Council on 21st December, 1971 was the subject of a Public Inquiry on 18th
July, 1972. The decision of the Secretary of State for the Environment is awaited.
The order is in respect of Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (also known as 22A and 23A Peter Street), 8, 9 and 10/11
(also known as 20 Brewer Street) Green's Court, W.1; Nos. 24/25 (also known as St. Peter's Buildings) and
26 Peter Street, W.1; and Nos. 14/16 Brewer Street, W.1 (also known as Pulteney Chambers), and includes
as "added lands" Nos. 18 and 22 Brewer Street, W.1.
Daventry Street/Lisson Street Areas: A compulsory purchase order under Part III, Housing Act 1957,
was made by the Council on 29th March, 1972. The Public Inquiry into the confirmation of the order was
held on 22nd November, 1972 and the decision of the Secretary of State for the Environment is awaited.
The order is in respect of Nos. 75 and 76 Ashmill Street, N.W.1; Nos. 67—75 Bell Street, N.W.1; Nos.
1 — 100 Christchurch Residence, Lisson Street, N.W.1; Nos. 25—51 Daventry Street, N.W.1; Nos, 3, 4 and
20 Ranston Street, N.W.1; Nos. 23 Shroton Street and No. 6 Stalbridge Street, N.W.1.
Archer Street Area: Consideration is being given to the action to be taken to deal with conditions in this
area generally which includes 57 dwellings in 3 tenement blocks.
Bell Street/Lisson Street Areas: A survey of the 25 premises in these two areas has been completed and
a report on the conditions found is in course of preparation.
Great Titchfield Street/Carburton Street Area: A survey of the 20 premises in this area was nearing
completion at the end of the year.
A tenement block containing 25 dwellings in the Mayfair district of the City was deleted from the slum
clearance programme in June 1972. Closing orders were applied to all the dwellings and these have been
vacated.
The following areas were included in the slum clearance programme 1966—70:—
Herries Street Areas: By the end of the year all of the houses in these areas had been demolished.
A summary of visits in connection with slum clearance is included in Table 11, page 65.