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56
Whilst realising that it is impossible to re-house the heavy
population of Southwark under the ideal method discussed above, I am
convinced that the present number of families can be housed in the
Borough.
This could be brought about by rebuilding larger houses on sites
which at present are occupied by small single type houses with long
gardens, of which there are many in the district; by careful
planning several flats could be erected to replace the one dwelling.
This appears to me to be the inevitable method of
re-housing in Central London, and will have to be considered sooner
or later, if those who must live on top of their work, and those who
cannot afford to live away from their work are to be suitably and
adequately housed, and the overcrowded conditions of to-day abolished,
or reduced to the absolute minimum.
I have already reported to the Housing Committee on several
aspects of the present housing problems, particularly that of overcrowding,
and hereunder I submit extracts from these reports.
(1) HOUSING PROBLEMS.
During the last 10 months, I have made surveys of the
Borough for the purpose of making myself thoroughly acquainted
with the housing conditions existing therein.
In the course of these surveys three problems present themselves,
which I particularly wish to bring to the notice of the Housing
Committee.
They are as follows:—
(a) Overcrowding;
(b) Courts and alley-ways in the Borough, which are closely
confined and ill-arranged.
(c) Areas for larger clearance and re-housing schemes.
REMEDIES:— Having regard to the fact that within the next
few months 3 blocks of flats will be erected in Doddington Grove,
it is desirable that the Council should formulate a definite housing
policy for the guidance of the officials, and particularly in view of
the resolution of the Council of July 30th, 1930, which was as follows:—
"That this Council express their intention, when considering
applications for housing accommodation on housing estates
to be constructed by them, of giving preference to:—