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101
This scheme is one of considerable magnitude, and the site is a valuable and important
one, being situated close to three great railway termini. The area comprises about eight
acres, and the execution of the scheme will involve the displacement of about 2,700 persons.
It is proposed that accommodation for re-housing no fewer than that number shall be provided
within the area.
Conversion of Vacant Houses.
This is probably, at present, the most readily available, and the least expensive method
of providing improved housing accommodation in the Borough. Although less expensive than
the erection of new houses, it is still a costly process owing to high values and the cost of
labour. The question was considered by the Estates (Housing Scheme) Sub-Committee, and at
their request a report was submitted on this matter, as follows:—
To the Chairman and Members of the Estate# (Homing Scheme) Sub-Committee.
" In pursuance of the resolution of the Sub-Committee, I beg to report on the question
of conversion of suitable vacant houses into working class dwellings.
The only vacant houses in the Borough suitable for the purpose are a number in
Drummond Crescent, a larger number on an island site between Euston Road and Argyle
Square, and a few 011 the north side of Johnson Street. If any of these could be secured
and adapted, then other property, although occupied, might be obtained, as accommodation
for displaced tenants would then be available.
The greatest need at present in St. Pancras is for dwellings comprising one living
room and three bedrooms. These are required for persons with small incomes and large
families. The ordinary landlord cannot supply this need, as such persons cannot pay an
economic rent. It is, therefore, for this particular class that State Aided Dwellings are
necessary. If these could be provided, sub-letting should be expressly forbidden, otherwise
overcrowding would occur. Persons without children or with only a small family can
more easily find accommodation than those above-mentioned, as they can pay an economic
rent, and landlords very naturally prefer and provide for tenants without many children.
A large proportion of the houses in St. Pancras contain only two rooms on each floor.
In order to secure the accommodation above described, it is necessary to take two adjoining
houses, provide the necessary doorways in the party walls and thus secure a four roomed
flat on each floor. The cost of this work would average about £100 per floor. The St.
Pancras House Improvement Society are proceeding somewhat on these lines. In April,
1925, I informed this Society that several adjoining houses in Somers Town could be
purchased, including two empty houses. These two are now being adapted as described
above, and when finished the families in the other houses can be accommodated in order
to adapt the remainder. In reply to a further enquiry from this Society, I recently
suggested to them the Drummond Crescent houses above mentioned, and I believe some,
if not all, of these may have been purchased. If still available these are very suitable for
the purpose mentioned in your Resolution.
As building is now so expensive, it is probable that alterations to existing houses on
the lines indicated would be more economical, and would help more speedily to remedy
the existing shortage and consequent overcrowding."
I am, etc.,
G. Sowden,
Medical Officer of Health.