AN irate father said a housing provider ‘owe him £200,000’ after selling him an ‘uninhabitable’ house.

Steve Baker from Darwen bought the house for his daughter through Together Housing in September 2016.

The new build property in Vale Street, Darwen, boasted solar panels and a heating reclamation system which Mr Baker said were the ‘main selling point’ of the house.

However, the 63-year-old said the solar panels have not worked since they bought the house and noise from the heating system makes it impossible for his daughter to sleep.

He said: “The solar panels were meant to give her free hot water, they were the main selling point of the house.

“Then we found out they don’t work, they never have and they never will.

“Whoever installed them used the wrong components so there’s no way they can work.

“For the heating system to work it has to be on all the time, even at night, but the problem is, it’s deafening. It’s so loud she can’s sleep.

“She’s a nurse so it’s important she be able to get a good nights sleep so she doesn’t make mistakes.

“We’ve had specialists out to look at it but they don’t have the parts to fix it and Together Housing have said she will have to pay for it and claim the cost of the repairs back from them, which is ridiculous.

“That’s why I’m so irate, the house is uninhabitable and they won’t do anything about it. As far as I’m concerned, they owe me £200,000.”

Mr Baker said a number of those who have bought houses through Together Housing have similar issues.

He said: “I believe there are 90 other homes with similar problems, there’s a whole forum of people complaining about them online.”

Frances Clarke, Head of Lettings & Sales for the Together Housing Group, said: “Together Housing have been in regular correspondence with Mr Baker and are aware of his concerns.

“We aim to provide properties that customers can be proud of and are sorry that this property has not met expectations.

“Mr Baker is aware that we are working to resolve the issues with the solar panels as soon as possible. We regret the delay but this has been down to circumstances beyond our control.

“We have investigated his concerns around the heating system and have appointed the specialist contractor needed to resolve that issue, who will complete the repair imminently.

“We will keep Mr Baker informed as appropriate.”