Housing development shows green credentials

Building work is set to start on a new affordable housing development in Bicester which will set a new standard for sustainability in the Cherwell District.

Sanctuary Group in partnership with Cherwell District Council and contractors Mansell, is to begin the next phase of work on a £3.3 million project, part funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), to deliver 23 energy efficient homes on Chapel Street.

Set for completion in summer 2012, the development, known as Bryan House, will comprise a mix of rented and four shared ownership homes which will all be built to Levels 4 and 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Affordable homes in the district had previously reached Level 3 on the Code but Bryan House will reach new eco-heights, with properties incorporating a range of energy efficient features including photovoltaic (solar panel) cells, triple glazed windows, rainwater harvesting and high levels of insulation.

Simon Clark, Sanctuary’s group director – Housing and Communities, commented: “Sanctuary is committed to providing high quality, affordable housing that meets the needs of local people so we are delighted to be able to support Cherwell District Council in their aims to provide sustainable, energy efficient housing.

“These homes will not only provide much needed accommodation for the people of Bicester, they will incorporate features designed to keep carbon levels and energy bills low.”

The exemplar sustainable housing scheme forms part of the wider Eco Bicester initiative and will incorporate both modern and traditional materials in a design which is sympathetic with its conservation area location.