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The second heading, viz.: the storing of inflammable articles, contains
two clauses, viz.: the 183rd and 184th. In my opinion, the keeping of
petroleum and other inflammable articles in any building in London, except
in small quantities for the purpose of retail trade, should be entirely prohibited.
The third heading: dangerous and noxious businesses. The clauses
under this heading are 13, viz.: from the 185th to the 197th, inclusive.
Instead of sanctioning the carrying on of dangerous and noxious businesses
in the Metropolis, it would be more advantageous to the public health and
safety, if the carrying on of such businesses were entirely prohibited; for,
owing to the great and increasing facilities of transit now provided in the
Metropolis, from all parts of the country, the necessity of establishing such
businesses in London has ceased. If, however, it should be deemed
advisable to still sanction the carrying on of noxious businesses in London,
clauses should be added, so as to bring under the provisions of the
' Nuisances Eemoval Acts ' all businesses from which the fumes of mineral
acids escape into the surrounding neighbourhood.
The fourth heading: formation of streets. This heading contains 10
clauses, from the 217th to the 226th, inclusive. Some of the provisions
contained in these clauses are useful, but their value is nullified by the
introduction of the following words, 'except with the approval of the
Board.' Moreover, there is no clause limiting the height of buildings in
proportion to the width of the streets; and there is no prohibition upon
an owner converting an old court, in which sheds, stables, or small workshops
exist, into a court with houses on each side and of unlimited
height.
Tho fifth heading: buildings in streets. Under this heading, there
are 8 clauses, from the 227th to the 231th inclusive. The only observation
I shall make upon these clauses is the great inconvenience to the public,
which is occasioned by allowing buddings to be erected before the streets
are properly drained, and the inhabitation of houses before the roads and
foot-ways are properly paved.
Much of tho present danger to public health, arising from the erection
of unhealthy houses, might be prevented, if it were to be rendered imperative
upon every builder, before he commenced any new building or enlarged
an old one, to give notice to the Local Board, and to lay before it, not only
a plan of the drainage of such building, but a plan of its sanitary arrangements
; and if such plans were not satisfactory to the Local Board, then
the Board should have the power to prevent the erection of any building
in which the sanitary arrangements were not approved of, the party
aggrieved having the power of appeal. All the plans and notices received
by the Board should be properly indexed, and preserved in the Office of
the Board.
The question of the utility of the office of District Surveyor, and the
payment of him by fees, is well worthy of the consideration of the
Board."
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN LIDDLE.
15, Great AlIE STREET.