Blyth housing improvement plans coming before councillors

01 May 2024

Northumberland County Council is being recommended to approve improvements to scores of homes in Blyth. 

The Council’s Cabinet is to consider the Outline Business Case for the £1.92m Bowes Court project. 

The scheme will deliver retrofit improvements to 72 properties, including 64 homes in Bowes Court and eight homes in Bowes Street. The improvements to the properties will have life-changing impact on the residents and community and will include: 

• A retrofit assessment and package of external wall insulation (EWI). 

• Improvements to mechanical and electrical ventilation. 

• Addressing ongoing and recurring issues with damp and hard to heat areas. 

• Removal of old cavity wall insulation (CWI) and application of EWI to address historic ineffective CWI.  

Some of the many benefits of this scheme include: 

• Reduced energy consumption and lower fuel bills. 

• Health improvements. 

• Improved quality, comfort and appearance of the housing. 

A pilot has already been carried out on one elevation within Bowes Court. 

 All residents are being contacted by the County Council to update and inform them about the planned improvements and will then receive further information about the project and have the opportunity to discuss the works with the Council prior to delivery getting underway later this year. 

Councillor Colin Horncastle, Cabinet Member responsible for Housing, said: “If agreed by Cabinet, we are confident that the proposed works will improve the quality, comfort, and appearance of the homes in Bowes Court and Bowes Street. 

“The project is being funded by the Council and the Government and we will be able to offer the works to all homes within Bowes Court and Bowes Street at no cost and regardless of ownership or tenure. 

“Improvements to the town centre are now well underway and the new Energy Central Learning Hub will open later this year on Blyth Quayside.   

“The Bowes Court scheme is the first of a number of new projects as part of Energising Blyth that will focus on improving and supporting communities in the town - with more to come later this year.” 

Croft Ward County Councillor Kath Nisbet added: “It’s fantastic to see Bowes Court will be getting a makeover benefiting all the residents that live here.  

“I'm looking forward to seeing the detailed plans as all the residents are engaged prior to the works getting underway.” 

Bowes Court is part of the wider £90m Energising Blyth Programme, designed to grow, renew and connect the town.  It is being delivered by Northumberland County Council, funded by the UK Government, Northumberland County Council and North of Tyne Combined Authority, with support from other partners.