City Council cuts ribbon on new affordable homes at Southbrook Cottages in Micheldever
Winchester City Council has cut the ribbon on six new highly energy-efficient affordable homes at Southbrook Cottages in Micheldever.
The flats, consisting of four one-bed and two two-bed properties, are one of only a few affordable home schemes in the country to have achieved a highly regarded standard of energy efficiency known as Passivhaus Plus.
That means the homes require far less energy – and cost – to heat or cool than conventional homes, with the little energy needed coming from renewable sources. That means the homes are warmer, more comfortable and also cheaper for tenants to run.
Heat-efficient building materials and air-tight construction are among the measures ensuring the homes’ energy efficiency - and technology also plays a big part, for example exhaust air heat pumps provide efficient heating and hot water, and solar panels power the properties with renewable energy.
It’s anticipated that the flats will produce approximately 78% less carbon emissions and have 75% less running costs than homes built to building regulation standards.”
So far, there are only around 2900 Passivhaus-certified homes across the UK, and even fewer have achieved the Passivhaus Plus standard, making Winchester City Council one of only a few local authorities in the country to develop a Passivhaus Plus scheme as part of its drive to help the district become greener faster.
All six homes will be let out with affordable rent as part of the council’s ambitions to provide homes for all.
Speaking about the homes, Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Chris Westwood said:
"We’re working hard to address the need for housing across the district and are making really good progress towards our goal of providing 1000 new homes - these 6 new affordable flats in Micheldever mark another great step towards that target”.
“I’m hugely proud, too, of the quality of the homes, which are a rare example of affordable homes in the country that meet cutting-edge Passivhaus Plus energy efficiency standards. They’ll be warmer, lower carbon and cheaper to run for their future tenants and I have no doubt they’ll make fine homes”.