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102
Demolition Orders in respect to 9 houses in Goodwin's Court and one in
Bedfordbury. The tenants will be offered accommodation in the City
Council's dwellings.
Unfit parts of buildings and underground Rooms.—Sixty-four Closing
Orders were made prohibiting the use of parts of buildings for human
habitation, and in two instances statutory undertakings were accepted that
the rooms would not be used until rendered fit to the satisfaction of the
Council. Sixty-five of these referred to basements. In 55 additional
cases the necessary procedure for closure was in process at the end of the
year so that formal action had been applied to 120 basements. Some 30
basements were closed or reconditioned as the result of informal action
bringing the total basements dealt with up to 150.
It was found necessary in two instances to take legal proceedings in
respect of the non-compliance with closing orders.
Three applications were made and granted by the Council for dispensation
from the requirements of Section 96 of the Public Health (London)
Act 1891 for a period of one year.
During the year, 587 written undertakings (informal in character)
were given by owners or by tenants that certain rooms in basements
would not be occupied in a manner contrary to the provisions of the Housing
Acts or Regulations made thereunder. This useful procedure acquainted
owners of the trend of the Council's policy and in some cases made a
prelude to formal action.
Provision of New Houses for the Working Classes.
Grosvenor Housing Scheme.—The last block (Bennett House), consisting
of 96 flats, was nearing completion in December and will be ready for
occupation early in the new year; thus completing the 616 working class
flats in the Scheme.
Ebury Bridge Housing Estate Extension Scheme.—The first block in
this scheme was well in hand and the second block commenced by the end
of the year. The 106 flats contained in these blocks will be ready for
occupation in March and June 1936, respectively.
The whole scheme provides for the erection of 280 flats; and when
completed will provide accommodation for over 1,300 persons.
Tachbrook Estate.—This estate, owned by the Westminster Housing
Trust Ltd., has been completed and consists of 180 flats.
Peabody Estate, Orchard Street.—A block of 15 flats was completed
during the year and, in accordance with the conditions of the grant of the
lease, the City Council exercised its right in nominating the tenants.