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
Richmond upon Thames 1933
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond]
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41
Following upon the acceptance of the schedule of unfit
properties, a detailed inspection was made. The making of a
careful and detailed survey by the Sanitary and Housing Officer is
a matter of the first importance as it is largely on his report that
the Medical Officer of Health must frame his decision.
The properties inspected were as follows:—
| l/l0, Long's Cottages | Dealt with as a Clearance Area. |
| 1/4, Castle Row | |
| 11/16, West Sheen Vale | |
| l/l8, Botten's Place | |
| 6/12, Worple Way | |
| 1/22, Benn's Cottages | |
| 1/8, Union Court |
These properties were the subject of official representations in
pursuance of section 51 (2) of the Housing Act, 1930, as unfit for
human habitation.
The Health Committee considered that the most satisfactory
way of dealing with the properties in the four areas was to
demolish them and the Council decided to declare the areas as
clearance areas.
Objections were lodged by the owners of 1/10, Long's Cottages
and 2/18, Botten's Place, and on January 30th and 31st, 1933, Mr.
H. A. Chapman, F.R.I.B.A., Inspector of the Ministry of Health,
attended at the Town Hall to hear the objections of the owners of
the properties concerned.
Some of the owners engaged Counsel and called other expert
evidence on their behalf.
After a very full two days' enquiry the properties were inspected
by the Ministry of Health Inspector, accompanied by one
representative of each owner and the Chief Sanitary Inspector.
Subsequently each of the Orders were "confirmed."