A brand new range of affordable, energy efficient properties will be built in Rochdale, it has emerged…
New homes designed to be energy efficient are set to be constructed in Rochdale. The properties will be built by specialist house builder firm AppleGreen Homes.
The project, which will be undertaken in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council, will be located in Gowers Street—a short distance from the town centre.
The properties will be built to Code 5 from the Code for Sustainable Homes. Additionally, the homes will be built to larger-than-normal scale and will have the ability to convert the attics into added living space.
AppleGreen, which was launched in 2011, is located on the BRE (Building Research Establishment) Innovation Park in Ravenscraig, Scotland. The firm has attracted international attention for its creation of energy efficient properties.
Founder of AppleGreen Alan Wallace said: “Our goal has always been to design and build better, bigger, warmer homes for a very affordable price, allowing the average family not just the chance to finally afford a home but also meet the fuel bills.
“It took two years of intensive research and development, working with experts from BRE as well as universities and architects, to develop a blueprint to meet the rigorous standards required to build on the BRE Innovation Park in Scotland.
“Our build is a hybrid system, partially built in a factory for improved quality, reduced waste and reduced time. We then construct on-site which is much quicker than traditional builds, and we incorporate various energy creating and energy efficient products.
“We believe this combination of future build technologies, creating energy with the solar panels and heat recovery, energy saving products will vastly reduce energy costs, helping to eradicate fuel poverty.”
The development in Rochdale will also see a factory built in the area, which will employ local people and improve skills. It is hoped it will help the local economy to grow.
Leader of Rochdale Borough Council Richard Farnell said: “Pioneering innovation is what Rochdale is famous for, so we’re not afraid to be the first to try something entirely new, especially something which could really benefit our residents.
“AppleGreen have an interesting idea, which governments in places like Malaysia and the Middle East have already approached them about, so we’re very proud that they’re looking for Rochdale to be the first place to build these homes.
“Our residents need affordable, good quality houses which don’t cost the earth to heat, and they also need local jobs. Once again, Rochdale is demonstrating that we are the place where businesses want to come and invest their money.”
Rufus Logan, director with BRE, said: “Rochdale Council is to be applauded for its forward thinking policy in relation to housebuilding, especially at a time when many appear to be moving away from the Code for Sustainable Homes requirement.
“AppleGreen continues to plan and design to this exacting standard, allowing them to take advantage of advances in construction technologies faster and more consequentially.
“Benefits brought by the Code for Sustainable Homes have improved sustainability and energy efficiency in new builds and whilst many argue that they cannot afford to build this type of housing, I believe AppleGreen and Rochdale Council will prove otherwise.”
Earlier this month the government delivered a devastating blow to the zero carbon homes sector after it withdrew support and funding, citing it was too expensive to continue.
