Eco-friendly development of affordable homes

A LHA-ASRA Group product story

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Mar 2, 2009

Housing and regeneration group LHA-ASRA is building 15 one and two bedroom apartments on Wellington Street, to help meet the need for affordable homes in Kettering.

To minimise the running costs for residents, and its impact on the environment, the development will be fitted with an innovative renewable energy heating system.

Air source heat pumps will take energy from air outside the building and convert it to heat the homes.

This is significantly more efficient than traditional gas or electric heating systems and can save up to GBP870 a year on heating bills.

It can also reduce carbon emissions by up to six tonnes.

The development will meet level three of the Code for Sustainable Homes, a Government standard to demonstrate how environmentally friendly a home is.

It will also have a bike store and is located within walking distance of the town centre.

Robert Nettleton, Director of Development and Regeneration at LHA-ASRA said: "LHA-ASRA is committed to working in partnership with Kettering Borough Council to provide more high-quality affordable homes".

""These brand new apartments will be contemporary and efficient to run, and will help meet the needs of local people waiting for homes to rent or wanting to make that first step onto the property ladder".

Developer Westleigh is building the homes which are expected to be complete in summer 2009".

"Simon Preston, Business Development Manager at Westleigh, added: "Westleigh are proud to partner with LHA-ASRA for this scheme".

"The timber-frame construction along with many other energy saving features provides a totally sustainable development benefiting residents with low running costs".

The GBP1.9 million scheme will be named Underwood Court in memory of a local businessman who ran a pet shop in the area for many years.

LHA-ASRA has also secured planning permission to build a further 45 affordable homes at Jobs Yard in Dalkeith Place.

LHA, a housing association which is part of the LHA-ASRA housing and regeneration group, manages nearly 1000 homes in and around Northamptonshire.