Legal & General Affordable Homes is building its first net zero homes in Essex.
The 100% affordable scheme is being delivered by Legal & General Affordable Homes (LGAH) in partnership with Rose Builders to tackle the acute local shortage of affordable housing.
The site, in the town of Thundersley, is sustainably located close to existing local amenities, including a doctor’s surgery, pub and schools.
The proposals also open up the site to public access and will provide new green spaces including a small forest and areas of natural play for residents and the community.
The development is designed to encourage biodiversity and walkability, enhancing existing habitats where possible and introducing new habitats through improved landscaping, including a wildflower meadow and native tree planting. New pathways for pedestrians will also be created.
The homes are earmarked EPC A, specifically designed to be energy efficient to meet the emerging Future Homes Standards, with 90% of the homes aiming for Net Zero regulated carbon, with air source heat pumps, solar panels and EV charging.
LGAH has nearly 5,000 homes with over 2,000 more planned across the country. Nearly 450 homes were handed over at the end of 2023.
Chief executive Ben Denton said, “The gap between supply and demand of affordable housing has never been greater, and, as the cost of living is rising, it’s getting more and more difficult to save for a deposit and buy a property outright.
“Our new scheme is solely affordable housing with a mix of affordable rent and Shared Ownership properties built to high sustainability standards, to not only help locals get on the property ladder but also keep costs down in the future.
Sam Brown, of Rose Builders added, “This project aligns with our core values of community service and sustainable quality development. We are committed to delivering new homes that not only meet the housing needs of residents but also contribute positively to the environment.
Construction is due to start soon shortly, with the first home completed by April 2025.
