[A]llerdale Borough Council has announced plans to convert a Maryport toilet block into two much needed affordable homes for local residents to rent.
The Council has been considering what it can do with the block in the town’s High Street since a review was carried out on all its toilet facilities in 2014. This showed that the block was little used, prone to anti-social behaviour and vandalism and in need of modernisation. It was decided, in consultation with Maryport town council, to look at converting the block into social housing.
The plans involve turning the block into two one-bedroom homes which are ideal for single people. The development includes demolishing the rear extension of the property and to provide outside space, whilst refurbishing the rest of the building.
Whilst the Council will retain the building, the homes will be provided through a local housing association at affordable rents. The development comes in the light of the launch of the Council’s Housing Strategy which showed that the area is in need of one-bedroom properties such as these. The development also comes in the wake of the successful development of an old Council toilet block in Keswick into much-needed housing.
Residents and visitors to the town will not go without a public toilet, as the Council will continue to keep the facility situated at Irish Street open.
Carni McCarron-Holmes, Executive Member for Housing and Health, said: “This Council has pledged to provide safe and affordable housing to our residents – and this scheme is just one example of us being innovative to make this happen and help those struggling to find their own home. The building looks like it was once a house before being converted at some point into a toilet block. It’s great to see it being used again for housing.”
If approved under planning, the conversion is likely to begin in the Autumn.
