A £3.5m development of affordable eco homes in Wellingborough - the first social housing properties in the area to feature solar panels - has been completed by Orbit Homes, part of the Orbit Group.
The 25 Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 properties in Little Irchester, near Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, will see fuel bills slashed for local people, who are being given priority to rent or get onto the housing ladder.
The development has been completed in partnership with Wellingborough Council, Orbit Heart of England housing association, and in consultation with the parish council, with funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The development by Orbit Homes completed a month earlier than planned.
Work on the development began in March 2009, and the homes have been built on the site of the derelict Cottage pub, a council depot, and a rundown playground owned by the parish council. Consultation with residents showed that villagers were keen that a new play area should be provided as part of the development, so plans were drawn up to include a new, better-positioned playground, still owned by the parish council and for the use of the whole village.
The development comprises six two-bedroom flats and eight two-bedroom houses available to rent, and 10 two-bedroom houses and one three-bedroom house available under the Government-backed ‘Rent to HomeBuy scheme’, where tenants pay a reduced rent on a new home so they can save money for a deposit to buy a share of it later. The homes are designed to meet the needs of the community. To be eligible for properties people must provide a strong local connection to the village.
Additional funds were provided by Wellingborough Council for eco measures, and the development has been certified for water and energy as Code for Sustainable Homes level 4 – one level above current government requirements. The eco measures, including solar panels, not only benefit the environment but will also reduce future fuel bills for the residents.
Wellingborough councillor Malcolm Waters said: “I’m pleased that this development of affordable homes has been completed in Little Irchester ahead of schedule, and delighted that it’s the first development to feature solar panels. We’ve listened to the views of the villagers to ensure that the development meets the needs of the community.”
Lee Steele from Orbit Heart of England housing association said: “This exciting development marks our ongoing commitment to the borough demonstrating excellent partnership working. The eco homes’ features and choice of tenures ensure that local people have a home for the future.”
