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30
During the inter-censal period 1901-11, when the population of the
Borough increased by 33,000, no less than 8.655 new houses were
occupied, equivalent to one additional house for about every 4 persons,
and when the Census of 1911 was taken, the average number of persons
per house was 5.6. Between 1911 and 1921, the increase in the population
was 13,360, so that to maintain the 1911 standard of occupancy 2,385
new houses should have been erected between 1911 and 1921. Actually,
owing, of course, to the War, only 1,200 houses were erected during
this period.
During the past 4 years, 1,126 houses have been erected by private
enterprise, but as these have been erected for sale and not for letting,
it is doubtful whether they have to any extent relieved the situation
which has existed since the War.
In investigating several cases of overcrowding which have been
brought to my notice from time to time, I find that the overcrowding
has been produced by the inability of persons, who at one time were
suitably accommodated, but were placed in great hardship by reason of
increase in the number of their family, to obtain better accommodation.
From my personal knowledge and experience, I believe the class of
home that is required most in this district is to meet those whose
incomes are in the neighbourhood of £3 per week, and from my interviews
with many of them, I am of opinion that the maximum rent
they could afford would be in the neighbourhood of 12s. to 14s. per week.
The public find it difficult to understand the shortage of houses
when they know that two large estates, Bellingham and Downham, have
been erected by the London County Council, and it is very difficult to
convince them that these houses are for the whole of London and not
for Lewisham in particular, and that only a small proportion of them
are available for Lewisham residents.
I have no doubt in my own mind that there is urgent need for a
housing scheme to relieve the unsatisfactory conditions which exist.
Measures taken or contemplated to meet any shortage. —
Under the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, the Ministry
of Health, on behalf of the Council, acquired 36 houses in the
Borough, which were converted into 119 flats, which were let
at rentals varying between £24 and £60.
In order to provide additional accommodation, the Council
in the latter part of 1919 acquired an area consisting of about
9 acres in Lewisham Park, and erected 86 houses, which are let
at inclusive rentals of between 17s. 11d. and 23s. 11d. per week.
During the compilation of this report your Council has
decided to acquire a site at Grove Park, comprising 43 acres,
with a view to the erection of 516 houses. The development of