Rotherham Council has embarked on an extraordinary venture to introduce ten affordable, energy-saving homes in East Herringthorpe, marking another significant stride in their major housing investment program. With the groundbreaking ceremony officiated by Councillor Chris Read, the Leader of Rotherham Council, and attended by Dalton and Thrybergh Ward Member Councillor Joanne Baker-Rogers, the Council’s commitment to meeting the housing needs of the community has never been more apparent.
Recognizing the pressing need for energy-efficient homes in today’s world, the Council has designed the East Herringthorpe scheme to exceed national energy efficiency standards. Employing state-of-the-art technologies, these homes will achieve an exceptional level of thermal efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and paving the way for a zero-carbon-ready future.
At the core of this pioneering development are Air Source Heat Pumps, which will provide heating and hot water to all ten homes. By harnessing solar power through the installation of solar panels, the development will be self-sufficient in generating renewable energy, ultimately resulting in reduced energy bills for the future occupants. Additionally, under-floor heating and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems will further optimize the heating system’s efficiency, promoting improved air quality and condensation management within the properties.
To address the specific needs of the community, the development will feature a range of one and two-bedroom houses and bungalows. These homes will cater to the high demand for accessible housing options, particularly for older individuals and those with family members requiring disability accommodations. Qualified residents will have the opportunity to rent these properties from the Council, ensuring that comfortable and affordable homes are made available to those who need them most.
Councillor Chris Read emphasized the Council’s commitment to constructing council homes that are not only affordable but also comfortable and low-cost to run. With the prevailing cost-of-living crisis and increasing pressure on energy bills, the Council recognizes the importance of delivering energy-efficient housing solutions. The East Herringthorpe development serves as a testing ground for innovative technologies, supporting the Council’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality.
In an effort to expedite construction and minimize disruption to the local community, the Council has embraced modern methods of construction. By partnering with RH Fullwood & Co Ltd, a multidisciplinary construction contractor specializing in housing projects in Yorkshire and Humberside, the Council aims to maximize the use of locally sourced materials, ensuring that the economic benefits are reinvested back into the Rotherham area.
The East Herringthorpe scheme represents another milestone in the Council’s comprehensive housing investment program, further supported by a Brownfield Housing Fund grant from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority as part of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. With a dedicated budget of £92 million for housing growth in the borough, the Council is poised to deliver hundreds of new homes by 2025/26, reaffirming its commitment to addressing housing needs and promoting sustainable development in Rotherham.
Editor’s Comment:
Rotherham Council’s latest housing initiative marks an exciting chapter in the borough’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable future.
By prioritizing energy efficiency and incorporating cutting-edge technologies, these ten affordable homes in East Herringthorpe will provide comfortable living spaces while reducing carbon emissions.
The Council’s collaboration with local contractors not only demonstrates its commitment to supporting the regional economy but also creates valuable job opportunities for the community.
With a comprehensive housing investment program and significant funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Rotherham Council is taking decisive steps to address the housing crisis while championing environmental stewardship.
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