London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
East Barnet 1949
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Barnet]
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The costs of repairs have continued to increase until they are
now about three times the pre-war costs. As property owners are
unable to increase rents to meet these extra costs, many are reluctant
to carry out any repairs other than those which are really necessary.
In one case, where a notice under Section 9 of the Housing Act,
1936, requiring repairs to a house, had not been complied with,
the work was done in the owners' default at a cost of £212 Os. Id.
Property Condemned as Unfit for Human Habitation.
Six dwellings were reported as unfit for human habitation
and incapable of repair at reasonable expense, in accordance
with section 11 of the Housing Act, 1936. These were:—
107, Leicester Road Semi-detached dwelling house
14, Warwick Cottages 4-roomed terrace house
54, Edward Road 5-roomed terrace house
56, Edward Road 5-roomed terrace house
21, Henry Road 9-roomed terrace house
7, Somerset Road Basement 3-roomed flat
I estimated the cost of the works necessary to render these houses in all respects fit for human habitation and the value that the dwellings would have when the works were completed to be as follows:—
| Estimated cost of works | Estimated value on completion | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| 107, Leicester Road | 495 | 625 |
| 14, Warwick Cottages | 342 | 190 |
| 54, Edward Road | 267 | 175 |
| 56, Edward Road | 357 | 190 |
| 21, Henry Road | 1,482 | 550 |
| 7, Somerset Road | 265 | 300 |
The owners of 107, Leicester Road, 21, Henry Road, and 7,
Somerset Road did not contest the statements regarding the unfitness
of these properties, the estimated cost of works and valuation were
not disputed, and they did not attend before the Committee after
notices under Section 11 of the Act had been served upon them
notifying them of their right to be heard when the matter of
Demolition or Closing Orders were to be considered. Demolition
Orders were therefore duly made in respect of 107, Leicester Road,
and 21, Henry Road, and a Closing Order for the basement flat
at 7, Somerset Road.
The owner of 107, Leicester Road, later changed her mind and
lodged an appeal with the County Court against the Demolition
Order. This appeal was withdrawn just before the date of the
hearing and the Order then became operative.
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