Developer Living Space has handed 38 affordable homes over to The Wrekin Housing Group, at its Malcolm Randle Close development in Telford.
The brownfield site in Malinslee has been transformed into a £6m eco-efficient scheme, where 30% of the homes are installed with Solar PV panels and battery storage.
Solihull-based Living Space assembled the land for the 2.1-acre site, secured Full Planning consent and delivered the construction contract in its entirety.
Located off Park Road, the 38 homes are being let at an affordable rent, which is at least 20% below standard local market rents.
The high-quality scheme has been named after the late Malcolm Randle, who served on Great Dawley Town Council, and was the mayor from 2018 until his death in March 2020.
Paul Breen, managing director of Living Space said: “This much-needed housing scheme safeguarded and created new employment opportunities for Telford at a time when there was significant uncertainty, caused by Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions.
“We are pleased that it is also one of three Living Space developments that benefit from the installation of solar PV roof panels. The 11 homes here which have this feature could enable residents to make savings of around 35% off their electricity bills.”
Photovoltaic panels and batteries have been installed onto the roofs thanks to funding secured by The Wrekin Housing Group.
This will help to reduce the carbon footprint of the new households and lower electricity bills.
In addition, smart generation meters have been fitted in each home that will enable residents to monitor the amount of solar power that is produced.
Setting timers for large appliances such as washing machines to come on during the daytime – when the most renewable energy will be generated – can help to maximise the potential savings.
The development comprises of four one-bedroom maisonettes, nine two-bedroom houses, 21 three-bedroom houses, two two-bedroom bungalows and two three-bedroom bungalows.
Six of the properties have been purpose-designed for disabled residents.
Wayne Gethings, Group Chief Executive at The Wrekin Housing Group, said: “Malcolm Randle Close is another excellent example of how partnership working can help us to achieve our aims of developing the good quality, affordable housing that Telford needs”.
The architect for the scheme was Birmingham-based residential design specialist BM3. Waldeck Consulting was the Employers Agent, Couch Consulting was the Engineer, and MV Kelly the Civils Contractor.