New factory-built homes have been craned into place at the Cotswold's first zero-carbon affordable housing development in Moreton-in-Marsh
In partnership with Bromford Housing Association, Cotswold District Council has started the redevelopment of Stockwells cul-de-sac in Moreton into 28 social rented homes.
A total of ten homes have been delivered to the site so far, with the remaining 18 due to arrive in the month ahead. All of the 28 homes are being built in sections at Ilke Homes’ Yorkshire factory and then transported to Gloucestershire before being lowered into place.
Leader of Cotswold District Council, Cllr Joe Harris, said: “It was great to watch this development take shape. This is an innovative zero-carbon housing scheme and the first modular build of its kind anywhere in the Cotswolds.
“Our housing teams have worked incredibly hard to build a strong relationship with Bromford and I would like to thank them for all their efforts in bringing about this fantastic scheme for the Cotswolds.
“This is the standard we expect of affordable housing here in the Cotswolds. Not only do we want housing to be zero carbon, we want it to be genuinely affordable. This development is set to make Stockwells of the best parts of Moreton and we’re confident these exemplar modern homes will do just that.”
The existing homes at Stockwells were built as a quick solution to the housing shortage in the 1950s and were not energy efficient. The former properties were demolished at the end of last year and the groundwork was prepared for the arrival of the new homes. The finished two- and three-bedroom homes will all be available to rent when completed later this year.
To support the Council to meet its Climate Emergency Strategy, Bromford has been working to introduce the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to support the move towards delivering net-zero homes.
The Stockwells regeneration scheme represents an opportunity for Cotswold District Council and Bromford to create the first social rented, MMC net-zero homes within the District.
With funding support from Cotswold District Council, Air Source Heat Pumps will replace traditional gas boilers, reducing CO2 emissions from heating and hot water by around 80%. In addition, the introduction of a large solar PV system will reduce net carbon emissions of the development to zero.