New affordable eco homes at Temple Cloud to pay their way
thanks to government ‘cash back’ scheme just announced
26th February 2010
The latest affordable homes for rent to be
developed by Somer Community Housing Trust may reap a big dividend
for residents, following a government announcement on renewable
energy generation.
The homes at Temple Cloud, along with others just completed at
Berkeley Gardens in Keynsham, feature photovoltaic solar panels,
generating electricity that can be used in the home. The new
‘feed-in tariff’ (FITs) which takes effect from 1st April, is
expected to see energy companies pay residents for each unit of
green energy they generate in their home. This means that as well
as saving money on their bills in the first place, the residents
may receive a ‘cash back’ payment which could run into hundreds of
pounds.
The properties are the first developed by the Trust to meet
Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, a standard set by the
Building Research Establishment. As well as the photovoltaic roof
panels, which create electricity from the sun’s energy, they have
increased insulation, and energy-efficient heating. All of these
measures mean the homes are more environmentally friendly, energy
efficient and cheaper to run – code 4 homes generally have 44 per
cent lower carbon dioxide emissions over ‘standard’ housing.
At Temple Cloud the homes were built on several sites, replacing
old blocks of garages. In total, there are 4 two-bed and 2
three-bed houses, and a two-bed bungalow at Fieldgardens Road,
Goldney Way and Ham Close. An additional 12 community parking
spaces have also been created, as a direct result of consultation
with local residents and ward councillor Tim Warren.
At Berkeley Gardens in Keynsham, 40 unattractive and underused
garages were in need of repair. Eighteen have been demolished and
replaced with community parking spaces, making space for two new
bungalows; the remaining 22 are being refurbished. Bungalows are in
acute demand in the area, and both have been adapted by the council
for disabled residents with full-time carers.
Angela Gascoigne, the Trust’s Managing Director, said:
‘These schemes typify everything a
responsible social landlord should be about – developing truly
affordable homes where people want to live. We’re excited about the
government’s new scheme, which will directly benefit residents.
Although it’s a greater level than we are required to build to as a
housing association, we are determined to reach this environmental
standard wherever we can in future.’
Councillor Vic Pritchard, Cabinet Member for Adult Social
Services and Housing at Bath and North East Somerset Council,
said:
‘One of the council's key priorities is to
improve the availability of affordable housing and our substantial
funding commitment to these schemes reflects this. The homes also
meet high eco-standards which help people live more sustainably,
helping tackle the causes and effects of climate change.’
Both schemes were built by Russell Construction. The properties
are let at affordable rents to people who are nominated through
Homesearch, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s waiting list
for affordable housing.
The funding for the schemes came from the Homes and Communities
Agency (£363,000), Bath & North East Somerset Council
(£363,000) and Somer Community Housing Trust, which owns the
properties (£575,000). The total cost was £1.3million.
Somer Housing Group is always looking for
development land to meet the continuing, high demand for such
homes. To discuss this further, please contact Mark Hodgkinson,
Development Officer, on 01225 366214.