Our new council housing programme is continuing with the unveiling of another energy-efficient property ready to rent.
The three-bedroom home in Matlock’s Mettesford was bought by the Council last year – one of the “non-traditional” properties on Hurst Farm that required a significant upgrade.
Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA), which will manage the property, has carried out an extensive renovation and energy efficiency scheme there, including the installation of solar panels.
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has been improved to B, helping to keep bills low for a new local tenant, while reducing emissions. A new heating system – a condensing system boiler with mains pressure hot water cylinder – facilitates water being heated up with excess solar.
In 2002 the District Council transferred all its former council housing stock to Dales Housing Association – but is now continuing to work with housing associations such as NCHA to enable more affordable housing in the district while delivering its own council homes.
Isabel Cogings, Project Manager, Housing Development for NCHA said:
“It’s a pleasure to hand over the latest of more than 50 homes to help build the District Council's new affordable homes portfolio.
"Retrofitting work, including a new kitchen/diner and new bathroom will have an impact on the energy costs and environmental impact of this lovely family home.”
Our Deputy Leader Councillor Sue Hobson, who visited the Mettesford property last week, said:
"This property has been transformed and once again the energy specifications are top class. The south facing garden and spectacular views to Riber really are superb."
Local ward member Councillor Steve Flitter, who also inspected the upgraded home, said:
“This is an outstanding conversion and I am delighted that a local young family have already signed up to be tenants of the property.”
In July 2020 councillors voted unanimously to re-start Council Housing, and initially the authority has identified developing and owning 52 Council homes for affordable rent and shared ownership.
Throughout our new properties we are including £10,000 per home for energy saving measures such as inclusion of photovoltaics, fabric enhancements and reducing water usage to the properties, with the aim of exceeding building regulation minimum requirements for energy efficiency and carbon savings.
Purchase of the properties is being funded initially from Section 106 income from legal agreements struck with developers of private housing.
Our Hurst Farm Estate Regeneration Manager Marie Schmidt said:
"The council’s decision to deliver again its own housing is designed to yield an ongoing rental stream while providing good quality social housing.
“We are working hard to deliver exactly what is required to meet local need and to a standard that fully supports households to reduce bills.”
Pictured above: Employer's Agent Bill Pywell, Technical Inspector NCHA Richard Varney, local ward member Councillor Steve Flitter, Deputy Council Leader Councillor Sue Hobson, District Council Housing Needs and Research Officer Niki Emery, Estate Regeneration Manager Marie Schmidt, NCHA Project Manager, Housing Development, Isabel Cogings
