Wrekin Housing Trust achieves Level 3 of Code for Sustainable Homes

The Wrekin Housing Trust has built its first new development scheme that achieves Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

The Trust has built two semi-detached properties at Gordon Road in Telford, one of which has been specially adapted for a family with a disabled child, and both homes have achieved the Level 3 standard.

The site is one of the first developments in the area to achieve Level 3 and the properties also achieve the ‘Lifetime Homes’ standard that incorporates design features to ensure homes are accessible, sustainable and particularly adaptable for future requirements as people’s needs change caused by ageing and health issues.

The key design features of the properties are that the location of the homes ensure the protection of the mature oak trees on the site, the exterior of the buildings fit in with the scale and form of surrounding housing and that one of the properties has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of a family with a disabled child, with particular features such as a vertical wheelchair user lift and wet room.

Other features that led to the houses meeting the criteria are that they are very well insulated, windows are triple glazed, solar water heating panels have been installed (these should provide around 50-70 per cent of the domestic hot water requirements of the homes) and an A rated high efficiency condensing boiler has been fitted.

The new homes will provide the tenants with improved comfort and lower running costs, and this is something that the Trust is working towards in all of its new build developments. Telford and Wrekin Council have also helped and provided financial support for this small in-fill scheme on land owned by the Trust.

Dave Pritchard, head of the development consultancy at the Trust said: “We are always looking at ways to provide high quality, energy efficient homes that are good for the environment and also help save our tenants money on bills. The fact that we have attained both the Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and the Lifetime Homes standard at this site is good news for the Trust and we will be looking to build on this to achieve more Code 3 and Code 4 homes and beyond in the future.”