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98
There is one criticism I would like to make, and this has particular relation to
the Movers Lane Estate—it is that the backs of the houses are overlooked and lack
that sense of privacy which has been achieved on other estates.
The feeling of being overlooked results in the erection by the tenants of many
unsightly screens and sheds, which not only prevent the free movement of air and
reduce the available daylight, but spoil the whole appearance of the estates.
The table on pages 99—100 shows that 604 houses, occupied by 2,962 persons,
have been dealt with in seven years, notwithstanding the difficulty of finding
suitable building land.
The removal of these houses from the oldest and most congested part of
Barking provides what must be a welcome opportunity for rebuilding your town
centre upon more attractive and imposing lines, with buildings in more pleasing
relationship, orderly grouping and true variety.
In this way, I feel sure the Corporation will merit the commendation of the
burgesses.
The pleasing treatment of the open spaces at the road junctions at North Street
and Linton Road, etc., are indications in a small way of what can be achieved in
streets previously drab and featureless.
At the Public Health and Maternity Committee, held on the 14th May, 1937,
I submitted the following report:—
" HOUSING ACT 1936—SECTION 90—LOANS BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES
FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF HOUSING ACCOMMODATION.
A recent inspection has shown that, in connection with many non-parlour
houses situated in the streets set out below, the tenants have added to their
accommodation by the erection of badly constructed wooden outbuildings, which
are obstructive to light and in other respects insanitary.
In most cases the outbuildings are so bad as to warrant demolition, but this
would entail hardship as the tenants have placed in such outbuildings a sink,
washing-copper and gas-cooker, and in a few instances a bath.
It is suggested therefore that the Corporation should offer the financial
assistance, provided in the above section, and that your officers should be instructed
to confer with owners with a view to the erection of properly constructed sculleries.