New energy efficient homes have landed in Cambridgeshire

At the beginning of this week, a social housing provider announced energy-saving homes have been delivered to a new residential development of 46 houses in Witchford, Cambridgeshire.

Whilst various housing associations across the UK are focused on providing as many new, affordable homes as possible to assist with the current cost-of-living crisis, Stonewater, a social housing provider, is set on delivering properties that will help residents save money on bills, whilst also helping combat the climate crisis.

As part of the new development, the properties will benefit from various energy-saving features including solar panels, insulated wall panels and floor systems to ensure a property stays warm for longer.

Alongside this, the homes have also been completed with an energy-efficient roof design, double glazed windows, mechanical ventilation, and smart controls.

Not only do these innovations reduce energy demand by up to 70% compared to traditional homes, they also achieve an impressive EPC ‘A’ rating – homes with an energy performance certificate of B and above are classed as good.

As well as being fitted with impressive energy-efficient measures, the homes are also engineered at WElink’s factory and delivered in sections, resulting in less waste, resources, and people management. The process also means that external factors such as bad weather doesn’t cause as much delay, with homes produced in a factory setting rather than outdoors.

The homes are being developed at Woodlands Chase in Main Street by WElink Homes, and include 14 two and three-bedroom properties for affordable rent and shared ownership with Stonewater, one of the country’s leading social housing providers.

Chris Montague, Stonewater’s Development Director (East and North), said: ‘It has been fantastic to see first-hand the delivery of some of our new affordable homes to site.

‘Wherever possible we are using modern, sustainable methods of construction, and it was great to witness these energy-saving homes being put together in such an efficient way.

‘The cost of energy has risen significantly recently, and these homes will not only provide residents with a well-insulated, warm, and low-maintenance home, but they will also give them more control over managing their energy costs, something that will make a huge difference to our customers.

‘We have built up a strong working relationship with WElink throughout this innovative project and are looking forward to working closely with the team in the future.’

Adam Norton, UK head of land for WElink Homes, said: ‘This is one of our first housing developments in the UK and we are extremely proud of what we have created. Stonewater has been a hugely supportive stakeholder in this project, and we are delighted that its tenants will soon be enjoying the added benefits that come with living in a WElink home.’

However, this news has come as a report by Unison has outlined that only wealthy people are able to secure homes with green upgrades. Within the report, which was published earlier this month, the trade union claimed the UK faces a ‘painfully’ slow progress on green homes and won’t meet its 2050 net-zero target, which was announced in 2019 in a bid to reduce emissions by 80%.

Against this backdrop, recent findings suggest that although energy-efficient homes help residents to save money on their bills in the long run, they are too expensive to be snatched up from the market in the first place. 

Image: Dorin Seremet