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29
HOUSING OF THE WORKING CLASSES ACTS.
During the year I made several inspections of the houses in the
Steyne and finally made representation to you that the premises
marked on the accompanying plan were unfit for human
habitation. The premises so marked are:—
6, 8, 18, 20, 22, 24, 49, 51, 53, 80, 84, Steyne Road.
1. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, East Row.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Narrow Street.
With reference to Nos, 6 and 8, Steyne Road, the Owners
have decided to demolish the premises, and at Nos. 18, 20, 22, 24
49, 51, 53, 80 and 84, Steyne Road, the Owners are carrying out
such work as will render the premises dry and habitable for a few
years at any rate.
Nos. 2 to 7 East Row have also been treated in a similar
manner by the Owners.
As to the houses in Narrow Street I do not think that they can
be made fit for habitation and it would be a waste of money to
spend anything on the present buildings, and I therefore trust that
we shall be successful in obtaining a Closing Order, and also No. 1
East Row as it is decidedly the worst property in the Steyne.
I think it would be a great benefit to the Town if the Council
could see their way to acquire and clear the whole of this area in
the centre of the Steyne as it would get rid of all this old property
and could be turned into an open space with much advantage.
The housing of the Working Classes Act of 1903 gives the
Council many additional powers, such as the longer periods for the
repayments of Loans, &c.
I have also made representation under Section 8 of the Housing
of the Working Classes Act, 1903 as to the unfitness for human
habitation of Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 12 Cock and Crown Yard,
in my opinion their occupation should be immediately discontinued,
as the premises are not reasonably capable of being made fit for
human habitation.
The first case under this new Housing Act which gives power
to Local Authorities to close slum dwellings without giving notice
to the owners to put them in repair has been heard and decided at