Case Study: An Almshouse Association loan for £50,000 supports the re-roofing of John Higgott’s Almshouses, together with installation of solar panels, loft insulation, new guttering and replacement windows and doors to the rear of the property.
Background
Nestled in the village of Newton Solney near Burton upon Trent, John Higgott’s Almshouses were founded in 1876 through the generous endowment of local farmer John Higgott.
The four Grade II listed properties were originally established to provide “accommodation for poor and deserving persons of not less than fifty years of age of good character and cleanly habits (preference being given to aged old agricultural labourers or their widows who shall have resided in the parishes of Newton Solney and Repton or one of them for not less than 10 years)”
Over the years, the almshouses have seen only limited modernisation, most notably in 1969 when each property was extended to include a bathroom and kitchen.
By 2023, the properties consisted of a single bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and lounge, with both gas and electric heating systems – an arrangement increasingly unsuited to today’s standards of comfort and energy efficiency.
If a charity does not have sufficient funds to carry out necessary works to their almshouses, part of the service The Almshouse Association offers its member charities is financial help in the form of grants and loans.
The need for improvement
Recognising the growing challenges faced by residents, including rising energy costs, inadequate insulation and the environmental impact of outdated heating systems, the trustees undertook a thorough review in 2023/24.
The properties’ solid wall construction, poor loft insulation and location within a Conservation Area presented significant barriers to modernisation. Nonetheless, the aim was clear: to sensitively upgrade the homes while respecting their historic character.
Project objectives
The trustees focused on three priority areas:
- Roof replacement, incorporating an approved sub-tile membrane
- Upgraded loft insulation, to improve energy efficiency
- Replacement of wooden windows and doors at the rear with Heritage-grade double-glazed units
In exploring renewable energy options, the trustees approached Marley Limited, which proposed using their Inset Solar Panels. Given the almshouses’ rear aspect enjoys long hours of direct sunlight, the properties were ideal candidates for solar generation. Marley supported discussions with South Derbyshire District Council and its Conservation Officer to create a scheme acceptable for a listed building.
After careful negotiation, permission was granted, with the condition that solar panels be restricted to the 1969 extension roofs at the rear of the properties. Discussions with the Council also led to provisional acceptance of approved UPVC replacements for rear windows and doors, though talks around the front-facing elements are ongoing.
Funding and impact
The comprehensive upgrade project has already cost around £50,000 – a sum far beyond the reach of the small Trust on its own. Thanks to a £50,000 loan from The Almshouse Association, the project was able to go ahead.
Once completed, the scheme is expected to:
- Improve warmth and comfort for residents, particularly in winter
- Lower energy bills through reduced heat loss and solar energy use
- Enable surplus electricity to be sold back to the grid, further supporting affordability
Conclusion
John Higgott’s Almshouses demonstrate how even the most traditional of housing can evolve to meet modern expectations, blending sustainability, heritage sensitivity and resident wellbeing.
With the support of The Almshouse Association and collaborative local partnerships, these 19th-century homes are now stepping confidently into the 21st century.
Our thanks to Tony Ratcliffe, a trustee of John Higgott’s Almshouses for sharing their experience.
The Almshouse Association would also like to thank all the people and organisations who so kindly donate to The Almshouse Association and leave gifts in their Wills. Without their generosity, we would not be in a position to help support almshouse charities with their renovations and new builds.
The Almshouse Association awards loans and grants to our member charities every year. In 2024, £813,667 was approved in new loans and grants totalled £60,000. Charities pay no interest on the loans, just a small administration fee. As they make repayments on the loans over a ten-year period, the Association can continue to offer loans to charities year after year, meaning that your donations continue to support almshouses and their residents in perpetuity.
If you are interested in making a donation to The Almshouse Association or leaving a gift in your Will, please do visit our Support Us pages here.
posted 31 July 2025