NET-ZERO CARBON HOMES FOR GREENWICH

Royal Borough of Greenwich’s planning board has approved plans to build 14 new zero carbon council homes and a community/commercial unit on the Barnfield Estate.

Part of the council’s Greenwich Builds programme to build over 750 homes for local people on housing waiting lists, the newly approved development consists of six one-bedroom flats, two of which are wheelchair accessible, six two-bedroom and two three-bedroom flats.

Seven parking spaces, two accessible, are included in the scheme, as are 26 cycle storage spaces. The community/commercial unit included in the design comprises 191.9m² of floor space with an open-plan layout to allow for flexibility. At the centre of the development is a large communal outdoor space for use by existing and future residents, which will include high quality landscaping and provision for child play spaces.

The homes will be net-zero carbon, achieved by high levels of air tightness, the use of solar panels and heat pumps and a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery to minimise energy waste and improve internal air quality. These technologies will make the homes both extremely energy efficient and cheap to run for  tenants. 

The scheme will be built using insulated panels (SIPs), one of the most environmentally responsible building systems available, to ensure a quick and efficient building process, minimising both disruption and pollution.

This planning decision brings the total number of Greenwich Builds council homes approved, under construction or completed to 724.

Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Cllr Anthony Okereke, said: “This zero carbon development exemplifies the work we’re doing to tackle the housing crisis, building hundreds of homes for people on housing waiting lists across the borough. The addition of a dedicated unit for community or commercial use shows how we are maximising value and listening to what local people want through extensive engagement with neighbouring residents.”

 

Member for Housing, Cllr Aidan Smith said “We are delighted that more zero carbon Greenwich Builds homes have been given planning approval, bringing the total number of homes approved, under construction or completed to over 720. We are putting every effort into building truly affordable homes with our Greenwich Builds programme, whilst also partnering with housing associations, developers and Meridian Home Start to create as many homes as possible for local people on our waiting lists.”