Construction has begun on a rural development of 25 affordable homes in Loughborough fitted with innovative energy-efficient technology.
With support from Homes England, the development is being delivered by housing provider Stonewater, in partnership with family-owned developers, Cadeby Homes.
The properties will feature a number of energy-efficiency measures, such as air source heat pumps, PV panels and an intelligent home energy management system.
The measures will help to save residents on their energy bills, as well as ensuring the new homes are in line with incoming energy efficiency standards. Energy efficiency and reducing carbon output has been a widespread initiative of the sector for some time, but the recent rise in support for Reform UK has seen many councils attempt to turn their back on the joined-up approach seen so far towards net-zero.
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The homes are being built on a former greenfield site and will be made up of 8 one-bedroom maisonettes, 3 two-bedroom bungalows, 6 two-bedroom houses, 6 three-bedroom houses and 2 four-bedroom houses.
The new scheme at Loughborough Road will meet the demand for housing in the rural area, helping better meeting the needs of rural communities – a cornerstone of Stonewater’s development programme.
Chris Montague, Director of Development (East and North) at Stonewater, said: “We’re really pleased to be continuing to lead the development of affordable housing in rural communities, providing a variety of homes to meet local need. Many villages are experiencing a severe housing crisis, where development is minimal or met with resistance, which can lead to the decline of thriving communities like Hathern.
“This new development will provide essential homes for young people, families and older people looking to remain in the area that they live and work in, and we look forward to working with the local community and our construction partners to bring this scheme to life.”
A piece of public art for the site is also being planned for installation at the scheme, to foster a sense of pride and community in line with Stonewater’s public art initiative and its national Blunden Prize art competition.
These homes will be offered exclusively to people with an existing connection to the local area, with the development expected to be completed in May 2027.
