Homes that don't cost the earth are opened in
Crewkerne

31st March 2008

Hardy Court , Crewkerne is an exciting new development of two three-bed houses and two two-bed flats, and will be officially opened on Tuesday 15 th April. The event will include the opportunity for guests to view one of the new homes.

It is the second of three South Somerset Homes Code for Sustainable Homes pilot projects, and has been funded jointly by South Somerset District Council and the Housing Corporation.

In today’s society, with the ever increasing concerns of the effect society has on global warming and environment, developers, such as South Somerset Homes have to provide homes with a minimal environmental impact that satisfy the housing needs of future generations to come.

The Housing Corporation (the Government agency that funds new affordable homes and regulates housing associations in England), has introduced a rating system for new homes called “the Code for Sustainable Homes”. It is an independently verified assessment with a six level scale, level 0 being building regulation standard up to level six being carbon neutral. Hardy Court has reached level 4 which will benefit residents with the knowledge that their home will reduce their carbon footprint and also reduce bills and running costs.

The homes benefit from a combination of:

• A heavily insulated timber frame designed to be 'carbon neutral' with a U value of 0.15 W/m²k
• Sustainable timber windows
• Either Air Source heat pumps (ASHP) or Exhaust Air Source heat pumps (EASHP)
• Underfloor heating
• Solar panels
• MVHR
• 'lifetime homes compliant' to all but the first floor flat
• All showers and sanitary fittings are fitted with low flow, low flush fittings (required for the new code)

Geoff Atkinson, Chief Executive of South Somerset Homes added, “South Somerset Homes is very excited about the three pilot projects which enable the company to learn more about sustainable construction methods. I am delighted that the homes have been let immediately to members of the local community, and wish the families well in their new homes”.

The local press are invited to a photo opportunity on Tuesday 15 th April at 12.30pm at Hardy Court, Crewkerne. For further information please contact Julie Whatford on 01935 404509.