NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES TO ALLEVIATE SHORTFALL IN LEICESTER

29 January 2010

The £4.9m project, built as seven mini developments on sites at five existing Leicester estates, has provided 43 new homes available for market rent.

Built to meet the Government's targets for sustainability the new homes benefit from wider wall cavities, increased thickness of loft insulation, energy efficient boilers and thermally efficient windows, elements which reduce heat loss from the building, resulting in lower utility costs and CO2 emissions.

These features, together with low energy lighting, solar hot panels and external rainwater harvesting enabled the project to achieve a Code for Sustainable Homes level 3 rating.

Chan Kataria, chief executive, East Midlands Housing Group, said: "Housing need is very high in Leicester City and we are very pleased to have been able to meet some of those needs.

"Finding suitable land for such housing is not always easy in cities like Leicester, but this scheme shows how effective partnership working between housing associations, builders and local authority can produce much needed housing."

Silvia Ham Ying, board member, Foundation Housing Association, added: "A home is a necessity which provides a strong foundation from which individuals can flourish and thrive.

"I am pleased that FHA was included in a partnership which provided homes for those with the greatest need."

Collectively known as 'Batch 1' the homes at Dillion Way, New Parks; Carpe Road, Charnwood; Queens Park Way, Eyres Monsell; Towle Road, New Parks and Wreford Close, Thurncourt will be managed and owned by Foundation Housing Association, part of the East Midlands Housing Group, and will comprise a mix of houses, apartments and bungalows, one of which is built to wheelchair standards.

Guy Higgins, managing director, William Davis said: "The use of infill sites in the city is a pragmatic solution to both the provision of new housing and the problem of disused and derelict areas on existing housing estates.

"This type of scheme, however, does require extensive planning to ensure that every element of the project is communicated effectively to all parties involved, from partners, local residents, local authority to on-site employees and 'Batch 1' is an excellent example of how this should be done.

"We are all delighted with the outcome and look forward to continuing our positive and long standing relationship with both EMH and Leicester City Council"

Councillor Paul Westley, cabinet lead for housing, Leicester City Council, added: "The council welcomes these much needed affordable homes for rent. It is not just the homes that help the city, it is the construction jobs they bring and the contribution to the environment on these estates. We look forward to more schemes like this."