Work progressing well on new low energy Council homes in Exeter
Published: 5 September 2024
Work is progressing well on a scheme to build dozens of new ultra-low energy Council homes for residents in the city.
The first phase of The Gardens, in Vaughan Road, Whipton, will create 35 new Passivhaus homes for people in housing need.
Groundworks have also been completed on the second and third phases of the development Eventually the three phases of the development will deliver 91 new homes.
The completed scheme features a high-quality landscaping for all residents to enjoy.
The homes, funded by Exeter City Council, are a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments for older people, including communal space.
Councillors and officers at the Council took part in a site visit to see progress and receive an update from main constructor Classic Builders (South West).
The first phase of the housing scheme is set to be completed next year.
Cllr Marina Asvachin, Lead Councillor with responsibility for Housing, said: “It was great to take part in this site visit and see the progress that has been made.
“These new Council homes will provide fantastic accommodation for people in Exeter. They are built to Passivhaus standard which means that they save money on energy costs and help to cut carbon emissions.
“I very much look forward to the development being completed and seeing these homes occupied by older people in the city.
“Exeter needs more affordable homes to rent, and it is great that the Council is committed to creating high quality energy-efficient homes for residents.”
Exeter City Council’s Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon said: “It was impressive to see such progress on site as the plans for this scheme have been in the pipeline for a long time given the challenging economic climate.
“I am thankful to those officers who have worked with our contractors to get the development to this stage where we can provide much needed high-quality homes for Exeter residents.”
Passivhaus is a low energy building standard which helps tenants out of fuel poverty by reducing heating bills and creates a stable, draft free and healthy environment for people to live in.
The buildings are healthy with no harmful chemicals or products used in construction.
The Council has declared a climate emergency and outlined its ambitions for Net Zero – these new properties will help contribute towards that ambition by reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
* The scheme is backed with funding from the Land Release Fund, with the support of One Public Estate (OPE), to cover upfront de-risking work in order to unlock the land for new homes.