The Houses
Little boxes on the hillside...
Nine thousand new homes were built for the original estate. The LCC had to create houses that were attractive enough to lure customers from the private market and yet build as economically and durably as possible. Building standards had to be strictly adhered to and the plans had already been tried out on the earlier Becontree estate. Monotony in the seemingly endless terraces was avoided by the use of different coloured bricks, roof tiles and porches. There are also instances of simple brick embellishments and some houses have bow windows.
Building manual from 1919
Government focus on state assisted building schemes really increased after 1919 when the Housing and Town Planning Act was passed. A manual produced to accompany the act stated:
"By the choice of suitable local materials, and the adoption of simple lines and good proportion and grouping of buildings, with well considered variation in design and in the treatment of prominent parts, good appearance may be secured within the limits required by due economy."*
This shows how plans for Becontree estate were later used for St. Helier
City of London, London Metropolitan Archives
Over the years, most houses have acquired new doors and windows. Those houses which have become privately owned show many design changes. Although everyone likes to express their individuality, many residents feel that the loss of uniformity does not help the appearance of the estate.