Developer Funds Used to Buy 15 Town Centre Flats

Ribble Valley Borough Council’s health and housing committee gave the go-ahead for contributions from housing developers to buy the historic Waterloo House in Clitheroe.

Waterloo House, which is tucked away in a corner of Waterloo Road, contains 15 one and two-bedroom flats let under six-month assured shorthold tenancies.

The distinctive building started life as the Waterloo Inn in 1927, followed by stints as an ironmongers and builders yard, before being converted into the flats in 2016.

The building’s previous owner accepted tenancy nominations from Ribble Valley Borough Council’s affordable housing waiting list.

And now that Waterloo House is to pass into council ownership the flats will remain available at an affordable rent to local people for many years to come.

Mark Hindle, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council’s health and housing committee, said:

“We are committed to delivering affordable housing across the borough, particularly for single people, with low incomes.

 

“Buying Waterloo House with developer contributions gives us 15 flats for rent to local people at no cost to council taxpayers, ensuring these flats will remain in public ownership in a town centre location, where rental accommodation is in particular demand.”

Ribble Valley Borough Council works closely with social housing providers to provide affordable housing and 100 properties were completed in the borough last year.

And properties for affordable rent, shared ownership, or exclusively for the over-55s, will be available to people on the council’s affordable housing register over the coming months at sites in Clitheroe, Whalley and Chatburn.

To register for an affordable property, contact Ribble Valley Borough Council’s housing team on 01200 425111 or housing@ribblevalley.gov.uk.