A manufacturer specialising in the off-site construction of homes is to supply two developments in Blackheath, near Rowley Regis in the West Midlands.
LoCal Homes, part of the GreenSquare Accord group, has secured the work from Black Country Housing Group (BCHG) for eight new “affordable” homes on Payne Street, and one at Birmingham road, both sites located close to the town centre.
Homes at both sites will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC), off-site using timber frames provided by LoCaL Homes.
This construction method carries several benefits including: Lower embodied emissions of materials, and lower emissions from transport to site.
Earlier this month a groundbreaking ceremony was held on site on Payne Street with Sandwell councillors attending as guests. The ceremony marked the formal start of construction of BCHG’s new homes in Blackheath.
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, leader of Sandwell Council, and representative of Blackheath ward, said: “It’s great to be working with Black Country Housing Group on this project to bring this land back into use when homes are much needed by the residents of Sandwell. We look forward to the next project.”
Amanda Tomlinson, BCHG’s chief executive, added: “Our new affordable homes at Payne Street and Birmingham Road are being built with cutting edge technology, reducing environmental impact upon our planet and making them energy efficient for our tenants. Sandwell [council] have been instrumental in enabling this development to happen, and we thank them for their support.”
Electric vehicle (EV) charging points will be installed at Birmingham Road, and at one property on Payne Street, the organisation says.
Meanwhile, heating and hot water will be provided by electricity using solar panels, electric combination boilers, and battery storage, which it is claimed will reduce energy bills for any future tenants.
Mike Doolan, sales and partnership manager at LoCaL Homes, said: “We are delighted to be a partner in delivering nine new affordable homes in the heart of the Black Country.
“With factory-fitted insulation made from recycled materials, Black Country Housing Group will benefit from a much faster build thus resulting in quicker handovers and earlier occupancy for future tenants.
“As the fabric of the homes is made from a sustainable material it will capture more carbon than traditional methods of construction and will be much more thermally efficient. This will subsequently help with the running costs and lower fuel bills for incoming residents.”
Main image: (Left to right) Katie O’Cearbhaill, Excelsior Land Limited; Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council; Adrian Eggington, Black Country Housing Group; Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Sandwell Council; and Amanda Tomlinson, Black Country Housing Group
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