Leading-edge sustainable technology will make the 19 new two- and three-bedroom houses at Lilbourne Drive highly energy-efficient, resulting in reduced fuel bills for residents. They will meet Level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes – the national system for assessing the environmental performance of new housing.
The £2 million housing development is going ahead with £1.24 million in funding through the Homes and Communities Agency’s National Affordable Housing Programme. Site preparation and building work will start this month (March) with the development due to be finished in March 2012.
All homes will be for social rent through the council. Properties will incorporate a range of sustainable features including electricity-generating solar photovoltaic panels. The energy-efficient heating system will use either high-efficiency gas saver boilers or a district biomass boiler.
The development is also set to create training opportunities. Lovell will recruit four apprentices locally, giving them the opportunity to gain construction qualifications as they work on the development.
Steve Waddington, head of Housing at City of York Council, comments: “Lilbourne Drive will be the first time new council homes have been built in York for 20 years, so the council is really looking forward to working with Lovell to provide council tenants with much needed affordable housing to very high eco standards.”
“Lovell has extensive experience of delivering energy-efficient, sustainable housing developments which achieve the higher levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes and deliver excellent standards of design and finishing, as well as reduced running costs for residents,” says Lovell regional director Noel Adams. “As these will be York’s first new council homes for 20 years, this will be a landmark scheme and we are excited to have been chosen to work with the Council using our market-leading expertise creating sustainable, affordable homes.”
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
