Nine 19th-century cottages in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, have been safeguarded as affordable homes following a £613,000 refurbishment programme.
The comprehensive works, being carried out by Platform Housing Group on the one-bedroom cottages in Waring Street, have been part-funded by £250,000 in grant support from East Lindsey District Council.
Built in the 1840s and 1850s, the terrace sits within the Horncastle Conservation Area. Although the cottages themselves are not listed, their location means any refurbishment work must meet conservation requirements.
Platform carried out a detailed review of the homes after longstanding issues including damp and mould, ageing components and poor energy efficiency. Seven of the nine properties had become vacant, with surveys identifying the scale of investment needed to bring all nine up to modern standards.
A range of options was considered, including selling the properties. Platform worked with the council to build a case for retaining and investing in the cottages instead, citing the need for affordable housing locally and the importance of protecting the supply of smaller homes in the town.
The works will address damp and mould, roof and building fabric issues, and energy efficiency, alongside modernised kitchens and bathrooms and replacement windows and doors, carried out sympathetically to the conservation area setting.
Rob Main, head of asset optimisation at Platform Housing Group, said: “Waring Street is a great example of why looking at the long-term future of our homes is about much more than bricks and mortar.
“These cottages require significant investment and we carefully considered all the options available to us. Retaining them as affordable housing was important, particularly given the need for smaller affordable homes in the area.
“Working closely with East Lindsey District Council has enabled us to find a solution which protects these homes for the future while also respecting their historic surroundings.
“Once complete, the work will make a real difference to the quality, comfort and energy efficiency of the cottages, and, importantly, ensure they can continue providing affordable homes for local people for years to come.”
Councillor William Gray, portfolio holder for communities and better ageing at East Lindsey District Council, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to support this important investment in Waring Street, which preserves part of Horncastle’s unique character and heritage, whilst securing the future of nine much-needed affordable homes.
“Making the best use of existing housing is an important part of meeting local need, and this project demonstrates what can be achieved when partners work together to find a long-term solution.
“The refurbishment will bring these cottages up to a much-improved standard while retaining affordable housing within the town, and we look forward to seeing them brought back into full use for the benefit of local residents.”
All nine cottages will remain within the affordable housing stock once the works are complete.
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