Matlock's Hurst Farm estate homes are included in £1million improvement plan

Derbyshire Dales District Council says it would need millions of pounds more to fully modernise the homes but it has not been given sufficient funding from the Government, despite repeated lobbying.

The 'non traditional’ homes, including 23 on Matlock’s Hurst Farm e state, were built after the Second World War and need energy efficiency improvements.

Last February, when the council approved £100,000 of improvements to homes on the estate, Tim Braund, the authority’s head of housing, said: “The cost for these people to heat their homes is more than they can afford.”

Residents have already benefited from the improvement scheme which has helped to cut energy bills by up to 50%.

The council now wants to spend £1 million on improving 44 non-traditional homes, including 11 in Ashbourne, six in Hognaston, three in Darley Dale and one in Tansley.A report from Mr Braund and Rob Cogings, director of housing says: “The properties are relatively sound with owners generally keeping the properties in good order. Though some are in poor repair, this is generally due to the condition of gardens and windows etc. The external appearance of the properties is in stark contrast to the neighbouring properties, which have been modernised.” Funding for the £1 million plan to renovate the 44 homes would, hopefully, the council says, largely come from a government grant of £750,000.