Chester Long Court wins housing award

Published: 17 June 2019

An environmentally-friendly housing complex in Exeter has scooped yet another top award.

Chester Long Court – 26 high-quality affordable homes in Whipton, Exeter – was named Residential Property of the Year (35 units and under) in this year’s Michelmores Property Awards.

The development, which first opened its doors to tenants on the City Council’s waiting list at the end of 2018, also recently won the Design through Innovation Award at the Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards (South West).

As a regional winner, the complex in Vaughan Road will now go through to the National finals in London later in the year.

Designed by Exeter based Gale and Snowden, built by CG Fry and project managed by Randall Simmonds, the complex pushes the number of Passivhaus homes developed by the City Council to 67.

Passivhaus is a rigorous voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building. Properties use little energy for heating, with triple-glazed windows and impenetrable insulation, keeping energy bills down and reducing the ecological footprint.

Cllr Laura Wright, Lead Councillor for Council Housing Development & Services, said she was delighted that Chester Long Court had won another award for the Council.

“Chester Long Court is certainly making a name for itself in the short time that it has been open and I am delighted for everyone involved in the scheme.

“Our tenants are already experiencing the energy efficiency benefits that Passivhaus delivers – reducing energy bills and producing a comfortable living environment.”

Chester Long Court – named after the former City Council Leader, Chester Long – also made the shortlist in the Residential category at the RICS Awards.