Work starts on North Wingfield eco-homes

Housing and regeneration group LHA-ASRA is developing 33 affordable eco-homes on disused land at Wayside Close and Eyam Close, in North Wingfield.

A ceremony to mark the official start on site of some of the greenest homes in Derbyshire was held last week.

LHA-ASRA is working with contractor William Davis to develop the scheme of affordable two-bedroom bungalows for the over 55s.

It will be one of the first of its kind nationally to meet level four of the Government's rigorous Code for Sustainable Homes.

The homes will have a state-of-the-art renewable heating system, which uses a biomass boiler run on wood chips.

It will be the first bungalow scheme in the east midlands to use a biomass heating system, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by half and cutting residents' fuel bills.

The wood chips, which will be made from wood pallets, will be supplied from a farm within 20 miles of North Wingfield.

The bungalows will run on low levels of water and feature storage space for recyclables.

LHA-ASRA worked closely with local councillors over the design and layout of the homes, which are expected to be completed this autumn.

The site also provides for the retention of a permanent location for a Christmas tree which has been longstanding in the area.

North East Derbyshire District Council donated the land to the project.

It has been funded by LHA-ASRA, NEDDC and the Homes and Communities Agency.

Of the homes:.

* 26 will be for affordable rent to people nominated from those bidding through the council's Choice Move system.

* One will be a Learning Disabilities Unit.

* Six will be sold for shared ownership.

Robert Nettleton, Group Development and Regeneration Director of LHA-ASRA, said: "This scheme is an example of true partnership".

"Working hand-in-hand with the local authority and the contractors means these cutting-edge homes will meet a real need for the people of North Wingfield for years to come".

"I look forward to seeing them built and the first people move in".

Cllr Norma Dolby, Chair of North East Derbyshire District Council, said: "The Council is delighted to be part of such a forward-thinking project".

"Not only will this development be sustainable for the future, it is also providing much-needed affordable homes within our district which will benefit many residents".

Guy Higgins, Managing Director at William Davis, said: "Where possible, William Davis endeavours to involve the local community and this project serves as an excellent example of this commitment".

"By working with the local school to raise awareness of health and safety and our partners to develop the design, we have been able to create a pioneering, sustainable scheme that will benefit the community".

All the homes will meet the Lifetime Homes Standard, which means they can be adapted to suit a range of needs, allowing people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

They will all have an internal recharging station for scooters, and two will be built to full wheelchair mobility standard with car ports.

One of the larger bungalows will be a four-bedroom learning disabilities unit for three young people and a support worker.

It will be managed directly by Derbyshire County Council's Learning Disability Services.

LHA-ASRA has been working with the young people and their families over the designs for this home.

An open day for local residents to view the plans and register interest in the homes will be held on Tuesday 17 February, between 1pm and 6pm, at the North Wingfield Community Resource Centre in Whiteleas Avenue.

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