Yorkshire has unveiled its largest ever net zero carbon scheme

A first-of-its-kind net zero carbon retirement living scheme opened its doors this week in Doncaster.

 Patent Walk and Patent house is the largest net zero scheme of its kind in England, and it is enabling local people aged over 55 to live independently within a community setting.

The scheme, which was delivered by Housing 21, a leading not-for-profit provider, who worked in partnership with Henry Riley as Employer’s Agent and Modular Consultant and Hull-based developer, M-AR, is the third off-site manufactured modular project delivered by the partners, but the first to meet Housing 21’s updated low carbon specification.

Supported by funding from City of Doncaster Council and Homes England, all 20 homes have been allocated for social rent and constructed to achieve very high insulation values. In addition, to reduce energy costs for residents the scheme also benefits from water heaters with integrated air source heat pumps and mechanical ventilation with a heat recovery system.

To mark the achievement Stephen Hughes, Chair of Housing 21’s Board, planted a tree and unveiled a plaque at the entrance to the scheme at an event attended by residents, colleagues and partners who worked on the project.

Ethel and Margaret, residents living at Patent House and Patent Walk, said: ‘These bungalows have provided us with everything we need to live a comfortable life, they are close to family and have all the “mod cons” to lead an affordable lifestyle.

‘It’s great that we can easily contact members of the Housing 21 team for any extra support we might need. We love that the homes feel warm and that everything, from the pull-down cupboards to level access showers, have been thought of to make life easier for those of us with limited mobility.’

Stephen Hughes, Chair at Housing 21, said: ‘I’m incredibly proud of what this scheme symbolises for the future of affordable housing. As an organisation, we always pride ourselves on doing the right thing for residents, but Patent Walk and Patent House demonstrate Housing 21’s commitment to tackling the housing crisis with the environment in mind.

‘I would like to thank everyone who has been involved with delivering this much-needed and pioneering scheme and I’m confident that Housing 21 will continue to lead the way by delivering high-quality, energy-efficient and affordable homes for older people.’

Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing and Business at City of Doncaster Council, Cllr Glyn Jones, said: ‘I am delighted that as a council we have been able to assist with this incredible project, which will support many of our residents in the next chapter of their lives.

“Affordable and energy efficient housing for all groups in Doncaster is a huge priority and focus for the council and our partners and we are delighted in this latest step towards this.’

Image: Housing 21