Construction is now complete on Southend-on-Sea City Council’s first ever zero carbon affordable homes.
The two completed two-bedroom homes are built on a disused garage site in Saxon Gardens, Shoeburyness and will soon be joined by two four-bedroom homes which are expected to be completed by the end of March.
All four homes, built in conjunction with Essex-based contractor Marfleet and Blythe, form part of a wider project to review the council’s underused land. Modern methods of construction are also being used which includes offsite construction of the timber frames to help reduce carbon emissions.
The new two-bedroom homes are classed as zero carbon because, along with the modern methods of construction, they feature energy efficient materials such as timber and will also include innovative heating and cooling technologies such as solar panels.
Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, with a responsibility for economic growth and housing, said: “It’s fantastic to see construction completed on the council’s first ever zero carbon affordable homes. This is the latest in a number of schemes the council is doing to increase the quality and variety of affordable homes in our city.
“The Saxon Gardens homes will be allocated via the council’s Choice Based Lettings system in accordance with the council’s Allocation Policy. This project, alongside the council’s acquisitions programme, means the council is on track to deliver 41 extra homes this year.”
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 the offsite construction methods used on this building project limits its impact on the environment and helps us work towards meeting that target. The homes are also designed to be fully accessible and adaptable to ensure they are inclusive for people of varying needs to enable independent living.”