A major housing facelift on Huncoat’s rundown Within Grove estate is getting underway.
The £500,000 scheme provides for demolition of 30 homes on the estate and refurbishment of a further 57 properties. This will include new kitchens, bathrooms and any other works necessary to bring them up to Decent Homes Standard.
Residents were first consulted about a regeneration of the estate, which has been blighted by boarded up properties, back in 2008.
It sees a partnership between Hyndburn Homes, its parent company Contour Housing Group, Hyndburn Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which has given £180,000 funding.
Contour Homes will be carrying out some environmental improvement work on the estate.
Resident Jacqueline Britton said: "I have lived here for 12 years and the plans will make a considerable difference to our quality of life.
"Some of the properties are very out of date and everyone is looking forward to not only better homes but also an improved environment, which will have a really positive impact on our lives."
In addition, Contour Housing Group has received planning permission to build five two-bedroom bungalows at the entrance of the estate.
These will be architect designed and be available for affordable general rent to people over the age of 55. It is anticipated they will be ready for occupation in March 2012.
Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "We have fast-tracked this planning application to ensure that work can commence on this long awaited scheme as soon as possible.
"We see it as key to the success of the overall refurbishment of Within Grove and believe it will considerably improve on the current buildings, which are an eyesore that negatively affect the reputation of the area.
"Thanks to the strength and innovation of the Contour Housing Group, residents of Within Grove can look forward to a bright future."
