Model Estate Plans To 'Party Like It's 1919' | |||||
Dover House Estate celebrates 100 years with event at St Margaret's Church
In 1919, London County Council proposed an estate of about 1200 houses on the Putney House, and Dover House parkland, to fulfil a policy designed to relieve the pressure for 'Homes fit for heroes'. The Housing Act of 1919 incorporated generous subsidies for local authorities to build affordable housing for rent. Building started from the Upper Richmond Road and progressed to the Crestway. The first houses were completed in late 1920, but a financial overrun delayed the completion until 1927. The roads and sewers were in place in October 1921. The housing was only let to families where the man had a permanent job which limited it further to whitecollar workers and a limited number of blue collar workers. The first tenants were civil servants, teachers and busdrivers. LCC did not allow tenants to make any changes to the outside of the property or even alter the design of the parlour. This continued until the 1950s. Council contractors would cut the front hedges each summer to maintain a uniform height and appearance. On 29 June from 3pm to 9pm there
will be a chance to celebrate the
centenary of the estate at St
Margaret’s Church, Putney Park Lane. Don't forgot to bring cash on the day.
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