New Eco-friendly Housing Scheme
6 February 2009
On 29 January 2009 Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, officially cut the first sod to launch Connswater Homes new eco-friendly housing scheme in Newtownards.
The Development of 40 two bedroom apartments at Donaghadee Road, Newtownards, being built for Connswater Homes by Sky Developments, is being piloted as the first social housing scheme to meet Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. The Association along with the developer is reviewing the possibility that the scheme will in fact obtain level 4 which, if it is the case, will be a first for Northern Ireland. From April 2008, all new social housing has been designed to Level 3 of the Code, in itself a significant step from what went before. At level 3, CO2 emissions are improved by 25%, whilst Level 4 increases that by a further 19%.The code is designed to improve the sustainability of new homes and requires all new social housing to offer a reduced environmental impact, lower running costs and features that enhance health and well being.
Speaking at the launch the Minister said, I am delighted to see construction of this new scheme underway. The delivery of high quality energy efficient and sustainable social housing is a key priority for my Department. Connswater Homes and Sky Developments are to be congratulated for planning such an innovative, flagship development.
The apartments will be built using modern methods of construction, with Structured Insulated Panels keeping heat loss to a minimum. Solar photovoltaic panels will generate electricity to run lighting for communal areas. Residents will benefit from green roof gardens for leisure and relaxation and convenient cycle parking and storage will be provided.
The Minister added: Through Connswater Homes this development will provide 40 much needed new homes in Newtownards. All will have an impressive array of energy saving, design and security features. Residents can look forward to moving into these state of the art homes in Summer 2010.
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