New eco-homes opened in Long Sutton

A GREEN social-housing development has been built in Long Sutton and the tenants will benefit from energy bills from as little as a few pounds a week. The six homes at Unity Gardens, consist of a layer of earth insulating the bungalows, solar roof panels,

A GREEN social-housing development has been built in Long Sutton and the tenants will benefit from energy bills from as little as a few pounds a week.

The six homes at Unity Gardens, consist of a layer of earth insulating the bungalows, solar roof panels, a collection point to gather rain water and allotments.

The Lincolnshire Rural Housing Association (LRHA) has created near self-sufficient homes which can achieve a zero heating status, vastly reduce CO2 emissions and generate an excess of electricity.

Building work began in October 2008 and finished July this year.

The homes are estimated to have cost �200,000 each and were passed on to nominated tenants through the South Holland District Council.

Julie Butcher of SEArch architects, which worked with LRHA on the project, and said that tenants had to be vetted before they moved in, to ensure they could handle and maintain the upkeep of the allotment and house.

The "amazing amount of light" from high ceilings and floor length windows is what neighbour Jo'ann Thompson is benefiting from.

Her toilet runs from rain water she has chickens in her garden, grows vegetables in her allotment and has become almost self sufficient.

SEArch has also worked on a project at Honingham in Norfolk which was the UK's first earth-sheltered housing scheme.