[Report 1932] / Medical Officer of Health, St Andrews.

  • St. Andrews (Scotland). Council.
Date:
1932
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1932] / Medical Officer of Health, St Andrews. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    15/50 (page 13)
    Close. Most of the houses in these areas are in such an insanitary state that the only method of dealing with them on health and economic grounds is complete demolition. Complications, how- ever, are many and it was not until December that the time was considered opportune for the submission of an Official Represen- tation calling for the demolition of 22 properties on the west sides of Union Street and Muttoes Lane comprising 44 dwelling- houses, 7 shops, 2 workshops and 1 garage. The Representation was accepted by the Town Council who, on 9th January, 1932, passed a Clearance Resolution defining the unhealthy areas and indicating that they intended to secure the demolition of all the properties in these areas. Since then much consideration has been given to the method by which their object might best be achieved—whether by Compulsory Purchase Order, Clearance Order or by private agreement. If the first method is adopted the cleared sites wall become the property of the Town Council and reasonable compensation will be paid to the proprietors. If the second is followed the cleared sites will remain in the possession of proprietors and no compen- sation will be paid except for business premises. All things con- sidered, the first method presents the greater advantages from the points of view of the future development of the sites and of fair play to all concerned. The second method would be unjustifiably severe upon those proprietors who depend upon the rents as a principal source of income and, in view of what has happened in other parts of the town, would, in contradistinction to intentions, almost certainly lead to a repetition of the present congestion of buildings. From the aspect of maintenance of the characteristic features of this old part of the city, there is much more in the problem than the getting rid of unhealthy houses. The present year will probably be well advanced before the problems in connection with the two localities are settled and there yet remains to consider action in connection with the other unhealthy areas and individual defective houses. In 1932 no demolition orders or notices calling for repairs were served. The number of applicants for houses was greatly increased, especially by applications from persons already resident in the Burgh. The Housing Register shows the following numbers :— Local Outside Applicants. Applicants. Two-roomed houses, 52 16 Three-roomed houses, .. 77 32 Four-roomed houses, 19 19 Total, 148 67