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89
Richards Cottages.— One house, No. 1, Richard's Cottages, was
demolished following a demolition order made in the latter part of 1933,
and the tenants rehoused by the London County Council.
Trinity Mews.—In this area there were 17 dwellings over stables,
garages, etc., containing 17 families. A somewhat different procedure
was adopted in this instance. Statutory undertakings were accepted
from the owners in lieu of closing orders to the effect that after the
tenants have been rehoused the premises will not again be used for the
purpose of human habitation. This method achieves the purpose of
preventing the further use of the premises as dwellings without interfering
with the businesses in the stables or garages below. The owners will also
have the opportunity of utilizing the upper parts of the buildings for
business purposes when the tenants have been rehoused.
Other Areas.—Three closing orders were made prohibiting the use of
parts of buildings (basements) for human habitation, and, in four other
instances, statutory undertakings were accepted from owners in lieu of
closing orders in regard to the use of certain basement rooms unfit for
sleeping purposes. It was found necessary to take legal proceedings in
one case in respect of the non-compliance of a closing order.
Re-Conditioning of Dwellings.
During the year a Public Utility Society purchased two 9-roomed
houses in the St. John Ward and adapted them to provide accommodation
for 9 families. The houses were redecorated: water supply, sinks
and cooking accommodation being provided for each tenant, and a
bathroom constructed in the back basement room. The City Council
considered the scheme as one worthy of support and rendered financial
assistance to the Society.
Rehousing Policy.
In December, 1933, a petition was presented to the City Council on
the subject of housing in the City. The petitioners acknowledged that
as a result of the Council's activities, the housing conditions of many people
had been transformed, but alleged that bad housing conditions still
obtained in certain parts of the City.
The City Council subsequently issued a statement of policy, some of the
main points of which are mentioned below.