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The total number of plans deposited in 1937 was 480, 63 relating to new buildings,
and 417 to old buildings.
In the bulk of the cases the arrangements shown were in accordance with the
bye-laws of the London County Council, and the work was allowed to proceed under
the preliminary approval of the Medical Officer of Health. In cases in which there
was departure from the requirements a special report was made to the Public Health
Committee, who rarely refused approval if satisfied that compliance was impossible
and that there was no possibility of nuisance or injury to health arising. In the
majority of cases the departure referred to closet accommodation and affected
particularly conveniences proposed to be constructed in basements.
Proceedings.
In no case was it found necessary to institute legal proceedings during the year.
Combined Drainage.
Orders under seal as to combined drainage were issued in respect of 12 premises.
The number in 1937 was 22.
CLOSET ACCOMMODATION.
In Table 26 on page 44, summarising the work carried out by the district
inspectors, figures indicating the number of defects in water closets remedied and
of water closets erected are set out.
In most instances the closets were erected with a view to providing additional
accommodation in tenement houses, shops, or workshops or in order to afford
suitable separate accommodation for women in places where both sexes were or
were about to be employed. Though there may be here and there a small lock-up
shop in which it is necessary for the individuals engaged on the premises to make
use of a convenience in some other part of the building, or more rarely in an
adjoining building, there are no premises in the Borough totally without sanitary
conveniences of this type. The water-closet is, of course, the only type of closet
in general use, though it may be mentioned that, in connection with air-raid
precautions shelters, chemical closets are commonly being installed.
One of the great difficulties experienced from time to time is in regard to
finding a suitable position for a convenience in which there will be complete compliance
with the requirements of the bye-laws in respect of water-closets. This is
particularly the case in relation to closets in basements and in the more overcrowded
business and shopping portions of the Borough. All plans showing proposals to
construct water-closets are most carefully scrutinised, but as noted in previous
reports, the 1930 bye-laws having considerably modified the requirements so far
as situation is concerned, the need for granting special approval now less frequently
arises. Particularly by allowing of the introduction of closets in bath-rooms entered
directly from rooms used exclusively as sleeping or dressing-rooms, they have met
a demand that has been increasing for some time and that formerly caused considerable
administrative difficulties.