AN ENTIRE row of historic homes which are rented out as affordable housing are to get new central heating.

The charity that owns 1-10 Eagles Close in Wantage, built in 1867, has made a planning application for the work.

The houses are Grade II-listed buildings, and are managed by the Wantage Townlands Governors, a group of volunteers which was established in 1597.

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The group rents the houses out at low rates to people who might not otherwise be able to afford to live in Wantage.

Writing to Vale of White Horse District Council it said: "The houses have differing gas central heating systems, number 10 having a back boiler in the chimney.

"This has failed and the only means of replacement which would comply with current regulations is to fit a conventional boiler in the kitchen.

"This will entail running new pipework at floor level to join the existing system, and a flue through the flat roof at the rear of the property."

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It added: "In the long term all boilers will need replacing, and the proposed plan is the only feasible option."

The council will now have to decide whether to give permission.

Members of public can see the planning application online at whitehorsedc.gov.uk using planning application reference number P20/V1738/LB