AFFORDABLE housing for Settle residents to rent has been welcomed by the leader of Craven District Council (CDC).

Listed Victorian Sutcliffe Buildings, in School Hill, has in the past provided six affordable homes for local people. But following redevelopment, it will provide a total of nine, which will be available from May next year.

CDC leader, Councillor Richard Foster, said the accommodation had become unfit for purpose and he welcomed the redevelopment by owners, the Leeds and Yorkshire Housing Association.

“The redevelopment of Sutcliffe Buildings will help provide much-needed affordable housing for the Settle and Ribblebanks Ward," he said.

"Sutcliffe Buildings is a Grade II listed building and, for some years now, has provided affordable homes for local people.

"Unfortunately, the accommodation is no longer fit for purpose and is now in need of refurbishment."

Planning permission has recently been granted for the conversion of the building, formerly Sutcliffe House, to provide a total of nine flats.

Cllr Foster said: "This is really good news – it will not only rejuvenate one of Settle’s historic buildings but will also increase the number of affordable homes available within the district.”

Sutcliffe House was built in the 1840s as a home for the Parker family. It was bought by Yorkshire Cottage Housing Association in 1952, which, in 1979, merged to become LYHA, which has owned it ever since.

Joanna Chambers, development manager at LYHA, said the housing association had decided to redevelop the building rather than take the easy option of selling it.

And it is also keen to invest in the community.

"It is fantastic that a building from the Victorian era, which must have been quite something in its day, is being brought up-to-date to provide high quality, energy-efficient and affordable homes in Settle. We are grateful to Craven District Council for its support in helping us make this project happen," she added.

Redevelopment of the building is being carried out by Ilkley-based Dobson Construction Ltd.

Its director, James Rushton, said it is a very interesting project.

"The works being undertaken represent a real investment in the existing building, which will stand it in good stead for future years," he added.

The project was part-funded with a grant from the Homes and Communities Agency, with cash also secured from Craven District Council.

The homes will be available for affordable rent in May.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Craven Herald, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.