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168
New "Model" Buildings.—Although the Committee under the Housing
of the Working Classes' Act, cannot interfere with the plans of any proposed building,
however objectionable it may be from sanitary reasons, yet in two instances to which
their attention was drawn by the Surveyor, and Paving and Sewers' Committee, they
were able to obtaiu material alterations in the original plans.
In the first case it was proposed placing three blocks of residential buildings, on a
piece of ground formerly occupied by Almshouses. The site is situated in an already
crowded neighbourhood and the street in front is a narrow one. One block was to face
the street, and the two others were to be behind it leaving, between the two back ones,
a courtyard 22 feet 9 inches, access to which was to be obtained through a tunnel in the
front block. The provision of light and air was inadequate, and the arrangement of the
rooms was objectionable; so that I had no hesitation in reporting that if the buildings
were built as proposed, it would be my duty, on their completion, to have them closed as
unfit for habitation. After several interviews between the proprietor and his architect,
your Surveyor and myself, the plans were altered so as to remedy entirely the faults
complained of.
In the second case it was proposed building a block of residential buildings on a
site where a number of small cottages had been pulled down, also in a crowded
neighbourhood and facing a narrow street. Objections were taken to the plans on
account of the extent of building proposed to be placed on the space at command; of
the arrangement of the passage ways and rooms, and defective means for lighting and
ventilation. In this case also we were able to obtain material alterations in the plans.
Both these cases show clearly deficiencies in the existing Building Acts, the
provisions of which had been complied with in the plans originally submitted.
Conference on the Working of the Act.—A desire to have some uniformity
in the execution of the provisions of the Housing of the Working Classes' Act, led to a
Conference taking place early last year, between the County Council and the Vestries
and District Boards of the Metropolis. It was found difficult to lay down definite rules,
but the following statement may be taken as a guide:—
"Whether a house is dangerous to health mainly depends upon:—
" (a) Site and surroundings.
" (b) Construction.
" (c) Age and general want of repair.
" (d) Nuisances.
"(a) Site.—A dwelling-house built in a hollow, or in a situation not
"admitting effectual drainage, or exposed to malarious influences, or built in a
"manner or on soil which causes, or permits the air to be contaminated by
"injurious gases, might be properly represented under Sec. 30 of the Housing of
"the Working Classes' Act, 1890.
"The fact that a dwelling-house is built on a site so surrounded by buildings
"that access of sufficient light and air is impossible would, in our opinion, be a
"good ground for representation.