Construction well underway to deliver council’s first zero carbon affordable homes

Construction is well underway to deliver Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s first zero carbon standard house builds using modern methods of construction (MMC) as part of a wider project to review the council’s underused land.

Construction is well underway to deliver Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s first zero carbon standard house builds using modern methods of construction (MMC).

Four new homes are being built on two disused garage sites in Saxon Gardens, Shoeburyness and they are classed as zero carbon homes because emissions are reduced using energy efficient materials such as timber and they will use innovative space heating and cooling technologies including solar panels. The offsite construction also contributes to carbon offsetting.

The new homes are being built using MMC which sees the timber frames constructed off-site before being delivered and installed using cranes to navigate the challenging construction footprint. The project is being completed with the help of local Essex-based contractor Marfleet and Blythe and all necessary precautions are being taken to minimise disruption to the surrounding homes. Construction began August 2021 with full completion expected by Spring 2022.

Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, with a responsibility for economic growth and housing, said: “This exciting project, not only creates four new affordable family homes in Shoebury, but it is the first zero carbon build the council has been involved with. I was very pleased to have visited the site last week to see how the project is developing.”

Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture, tourism and planning, added: “It’s a key priority for the council to meet our commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 and this building scheme is the first of a new method of construction that limits its impacts on the environment and helps us work towards meeting that target. Visiting the site and seeing the project come to life has been very interesting.”

All four homes feature fully accessible and adaptable designs to ensure they are inclusive for people of varying needs to enable independent living.

This is the latest phase in a number of schemes the council is doing to increase the quality and variety of affordable homes in Southend-on-Sea. This project, alongside the Council’s acquisitions programme, means the council is on track to deliver 41 extra homes in 2021/22.

Published: 25th November 2021

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