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17
done to maintain, at least, the same proportion of houses and flats
suitable for occupation by the lower paid workers and their families.
There are relatively few blocks of old rented properties in the
area which have any architectural or aesthetic merit. Because of the
low utilitarian standard of unfitness and the very high cost of redevelopment
on a large scale, most of this poor type property seems
destined to be repaired and 'modernised' and given a new lease of life.
The older congested areas are likely to remain so. Parts of Town
Ward and the northern part of Palewell Ward are amongst the most
congested areas in London.
Even some of the basements which have been closed during the
last few years have now been reconditioned and are back in use, much
improved, of course, as regards structural amenities.
During surveys carried out for other purposes it has been noted
that in certain areas of the borough, particularly in Barnes, there is
considerable 'over-housing' in that one or two elderly people continue
to occupy relatively large properties. These are usually owner-occupiers
of the more expensive houses so that even if, in some way, a
redistribution of accommodation could be effected, it is doubtful
whether the rents or purchase price would be within the reach of the
average family man. Of course, much subdivision of house property
is being carried out, often without the submission of proposals to the
local authority, and the resultant 'adaptations' often fall short of
decent housing standards, especially from the point of view of lack of
sound proofing and privacy.
Certainly housing in Barnes is no longer a problem from the
unfitness point of view, but it is obvious that the supply will never
meet the demand and some of the last comers will inevitably create
public health problems by putting up with what they can get until the
local authority waves the magic wand and rehouses them; for no one
else will. There have already been a few cases where larger houses
have been turned into typical 'houses let in lodgings'. The new Codes
of Management, prescribed in Regulations made under the Housing
Act, 1961, should assist materially in the control of conditions in such
premises.
OVERCROWDING
The position with regard to statutory overcrowding is still reasonably
satisfactory. Special consideration is given when allocations of
Corporation dwellings are made.
The figures which will indicate the present degree of overcrowding
in the borough as revealed by the 1961 Census, have not yet been
received.