TRADITIONAL TOPPING OUT CEREMONY MARKS MILESTONE IN DELIVERY OF FIVE NEW ‘NET ZERO’ AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR SALTHOUSE
The construction of five new ‘net zero’ affordable homes in Salthouse has been marked by a traditional topping out ceremony – with beer from Hindringham brewery The Norfolk Brewhouse poured over the roof tiles.
Broadland Housing Association chief executive Michael Newey joined Jonathan Smith, commercial director of constructor Smith of Honingham, on the roof of the first of the new homes to be made watertight to perform the ceremony.
They were watched by representatives from North Norfolk District Council and Homes England, which together with Broadland Housing has formed a partnership to create a package of five ‘local need exception housing’ schemes to deliver much-needed affordable homes for local people across the North Norfolk district.
The three houses and two bungalows, in Purdy Street in the village, will be operationally carbon net zero, a high level of energy efficiency which uses air source heat pumps, treble glazed windows, enhanced insulation and air tightness, along with mechanical ventilation, heat recovery systems to reduce energy demand, offset by renewable energy generated by photovoltaic panels. Properties will also have their own electric vehicle charging points.
The new homes have been designed to fit into Salthouse’s existing aesthetic, with extensive use of flint, and in the style of a converted farmyard. They comprise two two-bedroom bungalows, one three-bedroom houses and two two-bedroom houses.
When allocating the new homes, priority will be given to people who have a connection with Salthouse and its adjoining villages, under a ‘local lettings’ policy.
Mr Newey said, “Right across North Norfolk, villages are in critical need of affordable housing so that local people can live and work in their local communities.
“This is a very good example of a scheme which is delivering exactly those kind of homes, designed to fit the local aesthetic of the existing village, and carbon net zero so that the impact on the environment is minimised. Due to the homes being carbon net zero these will also be affordable for our residents to live in.
“Following consultation with the local community, we have used flint in the construction so that the new homes blend into Salthouse’s Conservation Area and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”
Cllr Wendy Fredericks, deputy leader of North Norfolk District Council and portfolio holder for housing and people services, added, “I am incredibly excited that Broadland Housing Association has taken this opportunity to build affordable homes for those living and working in the area who are in need of safe quality accommodation which is cheap to run and aesthetically pleasing.”
Cllr Victoria Holliday, who is the North Norfolk district councillor for Salthouse and also sits on Salthouse Parish Council, said, “I am thrilled to be able to welcome five households to the village, and so glad that people who were brought up here have a chance to live in Salthouse which might not otherwise have been possible.”
The new homes are being built by Smith of Honingham. Commercial director Jonathan Smith said, “We are delighted once again to be working in partnership with Broadland Housing, delivering these much needed homes for local people”.
The new homes are due to be completed in June 2025, and will then be allocated with priority given to those with connections to Salthouse and adjoining villages. The homes will be advertised nearer to completion; anyone wishing to apply should visit www.north-norfolk.gov.uk.