The London Building Acts, with some suggested amendments

THIS paper is submitted with the view and the hope that a new Act will shortly be prepared embodying the existing Acts, By-laws, and Regulations. In 1894 our present London Building Act was passed, and thereby cancelled some thirteen existing Acts which had to be read together. Twenty-one years have elapsed Since then; many decisions have been given in the High Courts, some of which completely annul the intention of the Act; many amendments have been framed, some of which have become law; and it will soon be necessary to repeat the process of 1894 and pass a new Act embodying all the existing laws and regulations, with certain desired modifications and improvements. Such improvements should be the carefully considered results of the various authorities: the Royal Institute of British Architects, the London Society, the Town Planning Association, architects, surveyors, structural engineers, builders, and property-owners should now unite in preparing such improvements in the Acts as they consider essential in readiness for submission to the proper authority. The London County Council "fathered" the Act of 1894 through Parliament, and the writer believes they have already collected much material for a proposed new Act. Osborn C. Hills