Almost 50 historic railway cottages in Crewe town centre will be repaired and improved this summer, thanks to Cheshire East Council's 'Warm and Healthy Homes' project.

The £2.1 million grant will improve the thermal efficiency of the cottages, making them warmer and more energy efficient, as well as improving and preserving the exterior of the properties at the same time.

Four local listed building 'consent orders' are now in place, meaning owners of the specified Grade II-listed buildings eligible will not have to make individual planning applications to the council. They will be also be able to take advantage of the monies available to improve their homes.

The £2.1 million grant will improve the thermal efficiency of the cottages, making them warmer and more energy efficient, as well as improving and preserving the exterior of the properties at the same time (Ryan Parker).

Works to improve the public spaces in front of the properties including walls and gardens as well as improvements to doors and windows, roofs and chimneys and internal works are all covered by the orders.

It is the first time Cheshire East has developed a heritage scheme in this way and has consulted widely with residents and the local community so they are aware of the scheme.

Having the consent orders in place will make the process of applying a much more efficient process for council staff and for residents.

Cheshire East Council's Strategic Planning Board voted unanimously for approval of the consent orders which cover all the properties on Betley, Dorfold and Tollitt Street, as well as 16 properties on Victoria Street.

Each street has its own order which includes the architectural drawings and details the heritage designs permitted. The orders will remain in place for 10 years.

Cheshire East Council's Strategic Planning Board voted unanimously for approval of the consent orders which cover all the properties on Betley, Dorfold and Tollitt Street, as well as 16 properties on Victoria Street, (pictured) (Ryan Parker).

Work is due to start on 49 properties from households who have already signed up to the scheme this summer, with another 16 Crewe town centre railway cottages eligible.

Crewe West councillor, Ben Wye (Labour), who proposed the vote, told Nub News: "This is a brilliant scheme which will help protect and preserve Crewe's unique railway cottages/

"This will make life more pleasant for residents who live in these properties, by reducing draughts and keeping their homes warm in winter.

"It will also help to reduce energy bills too so a win for our heritage, our residents and our environment.

Crewe West councillor, Ben Wye (Labour) (CEC).

"Crewe's railway company built these cottages in 1845 for their workers.

"Some of the cottages still have unique features such as sash windows which slide sideways, like the sliding windows fitted in signal boxes."

READ MORE: Horror as stranger tries to take a dump in Crewe man's garden.

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Crewe Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Crewe Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.