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41
Practically the whole of the property has been erected within
the last 60 years, there being very few really old houses left.
There is no form of defect calling for special mention, the
insanitary conditions usually found being of a general character,
resulting from wear and tear, and there are no really bad conditions
prevailing as a result of overcrowding, as most of the cases of
overcrowding investigated have not been of a serious nature
and a rearrangement of the occupants of the rooms has effected
a remedy.
2. Sufficiency of supply of houses.
(a) The extent of the shortage of houses available at a reasonable
rent is difficult to estimate and the only possible guide is the
number of applications received for accommodation in Council
houses. These at the present time, after revision, number about
800, but it must be remembered that in this number are persons
who already have houses with which they are possibly dissatisfied,
and those living in rooms sufficient to house them without overcrowding.
Since 1918, 1,351 Council houses have been provided in the
Borough. A further 68 houses are contemplated, and building
operations will be commenced shortly.
It is estimated that during the next five years, 500 houses
will be required to house those families displaced by the demolition
of unfit houses, and those who are living under overcrowding
conditions.
(b) During the year under review, 1,479 houses were built
in the Borough, and these will have a considerable influence in
the growth of the population. It is anticipated that a large amount
of building will shortly take place in some of the undeveloped
portions of the Borough and should projected schemes materialise
they will add considerably to the number of inhabitants in the
Borough,for the tenants of these houses are mostly newcomers to
the district.
(c) Excepting in the undeveloped parts of the Greenford
and Northolt Wards, where plenty of land for building purposes
is available, there is a scarcity of sites for new houses.