SEVEN NEW CARBON ZERO AFFORDABLE HOMES IN HINDRINGHAM HANDED OVER

Seven new affordable homes for local people have been handed over in Hindringham – all of which are net zero operational carbon thanks to a combination of sustainable technologies.

Jenny Watson, chair of Broadland Housing Association, received the keys to the five bungalows and two houses from Nick Suiter, managing director of King’s Lynn based builders EN Suiter & Sons, which have constructed the new homes in Wells Road in the village.

Broadland Housing is now in the process of letting the homes to local families, who must have a connection with the village to be eligible to apply.

The new homes have been built on an infill plot opposite the village school.  They have been designed in the style of a former farmhouse and converted barns so that they sit sympathetically with the local village landscape, using traditional material including timber and flint.

Alongside the five one- and two-bedroom bungalows and two three-bedroom houses which have been built for affordable rent, the project also includes four three-bedroom houses which are being offered on the open market – with proceeds from those sales going to subsidise the construction of the affordable homes.

Funding for the project came from Broadland Housing Association and North Norfolk District Council, along with Homes England as part of a wider package to build six such local needs exception housing schemes across the district.

The new affordable homes boast a range of energy-efficiency technologies including air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems and air tightness.  As a result they will be net zero operational carbon.

“We are delighted to see the completion of these beautifully designed and energy efficient affordable homes,” said Michael Newey, chief executive of Broadland Housing.  “Affordable housing is not just about the rent; increasingly we are having to factor in energy costs when assessing whether a home is affordable.

“The demand we have already seen for these seven homes in Hindringham shows that affordable housing is very much needed in village communities across North Norfolk. 

“The local lettings policy which applies to this site means that priority will be given to families who have a connection with Hindringham and the surrounding villages, ensuring that these new homes will be a genuine asset to the local community.”

Cllr Wendy Fredericks, deputy leader of North Norfolk District Council and portfolio holder for housing and people services, said, “I am so proud that we are working once again with Broadland Housing to bring another affordable housing site into our district.

“The design fits so elegantly into the village – it has been conceived to be an asset for the local community.  We hope to be seeing more of these high quality energy efficient new homes being built in North Norfolk in the future.”

The new homes were designed by Norfolk-based architects Ingleton Wood.  Director Chris Stammers said, “We are proud to continue our work alongside Broadland Housing Association and its partners in helping to deliver much-needed affordable rural housing in North Norfolk.

“The Wells Road project reflects our ongoing commitment to deliver locally appropriate housing and place making, addressing urgent housing need in the district.  We look forward to seeing residents move in and support the wider Hindringham community.”