Net zero new-builds in Norfolk
Work has started on the construction of five, affordable, net zero homes for rent in Salthouse.
Representatives from Broadland Housing Association and North Norfolk District Council gathered for a sod-cutting ceremony at the site, in Purdy Street in the village.
The three houses and two bungalows will be operationally carbon net zero, a high level of energy efficiency which uses air source heat pumps, treble glazed windows, enhanced insulation and air tightness, along with mechanical ventilation, heat recovery systems to reduce energy demand, that’s offset by renewable energy generated by photovoltaic panels. Properties will also have their own electric vehicle charging points.
The new homes have been designed to fit into Salthouse’s existing aesthetic, with extensive use of flint, and in the style of a converted farmyard. Properties comprise two two-bedroom bungalows, two three-bedroom houses and one two-bedroom house.
The building of the new affordable homes has been made possible through a partnership between Broadland Housing Association, North Norfolk District Council, and Homes England, as part of a wider package of six Broadland Housing ‘local need exception housing’ schemes across North Norfolk district.
Helping to cut the first sod at the site, Broadland Housing chief executive Michael Newey said, “Right across North Norfolk, villages are in critical need of affordable housing so that local people can live and work in their local communities.
“This is a very good example of a scheme which is delivering exactly those kind of homes, designed to fit the local aesthetic of the existing village, and carbon net zero so that the impact on the environment is minimised. We consulted with the local community, which asked us to make use of flint so that the new homes blend into Salthouse’s Conservation Area and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“In the current economic climate it is extremely difficult to deliver new affordable homes, but Broadland remains committed to doing everything we can to build new homes to meet that huge local need.”
Cllr Wendy Fredericks, deputy leader of North Norfolk District Council and portfolio holder for housing and people services, added, “I am incredibly excited that Broadland Housing Association has taken this opportunity to build affordable homes for those living and working in the area who are in need of safe quality accommodation which is cheap to run and aesthetically pleasing.”
Cllr Victoria Holliday, who is the North Norfolk district councillor for Salthouse and also sits on Salthouse Parish Council, said, “I am thrilled to be able to welcome five new families to our village, and so glad that people who were brought up here will have a chance to return – and who would otherwise not be able to live in Salthouse.”