International studio (15.1901/1902(1902))

A Study in Housing Reform

We now turn to a consideration of the main
principles upon which the estate has hitherto been
developed, and the future observance of which is
ensured by the terms of the deed under which the
trust is created. It should be noted that the scheme
is not intended for the benefit only of the work-
people of Messrs. Cadbury, but is open, as far as pos-
sible, to all who wish to share its advantages. It
was the original intention of the founder to give the
tenants the option of purchasing the houses on a
999 years’ lease, and some were disposed of on
these terms ; but as it was found that the pur-
chasers frequently resold them at a high profit,
this plan has been discontinued for the present,
and all the houses are now let in the ordinary way.
The average garden space allowed to each house
is about 600 square yards, and as far as possible no
dwelling will occupy more than one-quarter of the
site on which it is erected. Each garden is planted
with fruit trees, and a staff of practical gardeners
is kept, whose advice and help are at the service of
the tenants. Every encouragement is given to the
latter to take up practical gardening. Lectures on
the subject are arranged from time to time,
gardening classes for young men are held under
competent supervision, and there are also a

number of allotment gardens available. In addition
to the liberal allowance of land to each house, a
large proportion of the whole is to be kept for open
spaces, and will be formed into parks and pleasure
grounds. The trustees have full discretion for the
erection of public buildings, including schools,
hospitals, baths, libraries, etc. ; and the deed pro-
vides that the administration of the trust shall be
wholly unsectarian and unpolitical, and all
influences which would tend to defeat this object
are to be rigidly excluded. The trustees also have
power to allow any part of the property to be used
as shops or factories, and it is provided that the
total area occupied by factories shall not exceed
one-fifteenth part of the total area of the estate.

The liquor question has not been overlooked,
and some discretion in this matter is given to the
trustees, but they are charged to remember the
founder’s wish that the sale of intoxicating liquors
shall be entirely suppressed on the estate unless
such suppression should lead to greater evils.

It will thus be seen that adequate steps have
been taken to secure through succeeding years
the maintenance of the principles observed by the
founder in inaugurating the scheme. The beauty
of the land will always be preserved, and the

BOURNVILLE : TWO OF THE VILLAGE SHOFS
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W. A. HARVEY, ARCHITECT