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Peterborough Scheme Gets 'Good' Rating

Posted: 05/06/2006

A new "green" £1.5 million affordable housing development in Peterborough has been unveiled. The environmentally-friendly project, in Dogsthorpe Road, Peterborough, used the latest timber frame method – hailed as the most economical and efficient method of building new homes. The timber frames also improve energy efficiency, resulting in lower heating bills for residents.

The 15-home scheme has now received a "Good" environmental rating under the national ECO Homes scheme for its efforts, which included installing energy-efficient boilers and power systems. Graham Murphy, Peterborough City Council's cabinet member for the environment was delighted at the project's completion.

He said: "This further extends the wishes of Peterborough to be seen as a leader in being a green city. We're setting the example for others to follow. It's a very positive step forward for us. "The development will allow first-time buyers to get a foot on the property ladder with genuinely affordable housing."

The development comprises a range of one to four-bedroom houses, flats for affordable rent and two properties for shared ownership with Nene Housing Society, which jointly funded the scheme with Peterborough City Council and the Housing Corporation. The new homes were also built on "brownfield" land – it was formerly used as an industrial site and a petrol station – so the builders cleaning up the site was another key factor in the ECO Homes accreditation.

Bourne-based builder FE Peacock Construction designed and built the scheme on behalf of the Nene Housing Society and spent months preparing and excavating the land to remove the petrol and chemical contamination.

Peacock's commercial director, Ian Lawton, said: "The Dogsthorpe Road development demonstrates how it is possible to regenerate brownfield land and create welcoming, excellent quality homes. "We have worked very closely with Nene Housing Society to provide a development that they are delighted with."

Mel Baker, development officer at Nene Housing Society, said: "This scheme builds on the success of similar affordable housing developments in the city and we are looking forward to welcoming its first residents very soon. The homes also have the police's Secured by Design accreditation – meaning they are designed to deter burglars and reduce hiding places for potential muggers.

Peterborough Evening Telegraph  
 

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