The houses depicted in this picture were originally built in the late 18th century, over the years through neglect and damage through war they had run to ruin. In 1959 this area was redeveloped as part of the 1944 Town and Country Planning Act. Five redevelopment areas were established, including Ladywood, Lee Bank, Highgate, Nechells Green and Newtown, in total these areas contained half of the cities sub-standard housing. In 1946 a the city obtained a Compulsory Purchase Order as part of the scheme and purchased an area that covered 981 acres containing 30,000 houses, 3,900 shops, 2300 industrial and commercial properties.