The Leadbitter Group has handed over 21 new affordable homes in Chard, Somerset, to social housing provider Yarlington Housing Group.
The two- and three-bedroom houses meet Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and will be available for affordable rent with eight of the units for sale under low cost home ownership.
The development at Ken Close, Leadbitter’s first contract on behalf of Yarlington Housing Group, was built on an area previously used for residents’ garages. Leadbitter’s first task was to build a temporary access road to so that residents could reach their homes during construction. This allowed the contractor to realign the road and begin constructing the new houses. Leadbitter also built 16 new parking spaces for residents who were affected by the scheme.
To achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3, the homes were built with highly insulated walls and floors, plus roof spaces with a very low air permeability rate. The houses also have Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery units, which take residual heat from the bathrooms and kitchens and heat fresh air being drawn into the house. This reduces the amount of energy required to heat the houses and keeps all the rooms very well ventilated.
A comprehensive community engagement programme was put in place to keep local residents updated on progress throughout construction. As well has organising regular drop-in sessions and publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, Leadbitter held an open day where local residents, councillors and future tenants could view one of the completed homes.
Rob Bradley, Managing Director of Leadbitter’s Western division, said: “We are delighted to have finished these much-needed affordable homes for the people of Chard. This was a fine example of all parties working together to overcome challenges and build links with the community. We look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship with Yarlington Housing Group on future projects in the south west.”
Darrell Lock, Construction Manager with Yarlington, added: “Despite the atrocious summer weather, we are pleased that Leadbitter have been able to complete the project with limited delays to allow those in housing need to be accommodated before Christmas.
"The site had many challenges particularly around the need to provide continuous access across and around the site by the existing community during the build. It was pleasing to see Leadbitter rising to the challenge, forming good links with those concerned on a daily basis. The project brings to an end Yarlington’s successful regeneration programme of Precast Reinforced Concrete sites within Chard, two years ahead of our original 15 year target.”
Yarlington Housing Group owns and manages almost 9,000 properties from Devon to Sedgemoor and works closely with local authorities to lead the way in developing and managing affordable homes to rent in the south west.
