Eco friendly homes give Heywood housing boost

A new housing scheme has been officially opened in Heywood.

Four environmentally friendly bungalows funded by Rochdale Council have been completed on Heady Hill Road, on a site previously occupied by derelict shops.

The properties have been constructed using an innovative insulated concrete framework system which significantly reduces energy consumption. Quick to construct (the bungalows took just four months to build) they benefit from well insulated walls, improved thermal efficiency and reduced energy consumption. Their highly efficient hot water and heating system will contribute to very low running costs.

Two have been earmarked for first time buyers, and the other two bungalows will be for Heywood residents over 55.

Doreen Brophy Lee, Cabinet Member for Housing, said they are a great example of high quality new housing built for local people by local people.

“We need more quality affordable housing like this, and it will be great to see people get on the first rung of the property ladder, especially in new eco-friendly modern homes," she said. "Their design also means it’s a positive step forward for environmentally sound developments which I hope will lead the way for other such projects in the borough. The council has a responsibility to help reduce carbon emissions and alleviate climate change. We are meeting these challenges by facilitating housing which incorporates low or zero carbon energy sources, maximising energy efficiency and conservation where possible.”

The homes, built on land made vacant by funding from New Heart for Heywood are part of their mission to provide affordable housing for Heywood residents.

Resident Director Jean Williams said the town needs more homes like these: “Getting onto the property ladder is hard and these houses are not only affordable to buy but have the added advantages of being easy to run and very energy efficient.”

Cliff Rogers, Director of BTA, who built the new bungalows, said: “We’re really pleased with the finished result. These new homes are very energy efficient, so very cost effective to run and affordable to buy, due to the construction methods used. We’re now looking at other suitable sites in the borough.”

For Paul Beardmore, Head of Strategic Housing at Rochdale Council, the day had extra significance, as it marked his last public engagement at the authority. He has worked at the council for 33 years, but moves to Manchester City Council in April.

“I have worked with these builders for years, and have been very pleased with the work and investment in staff training. I’m delighted with these new homes," he said. "This model can be replicated, so it’s important that we look at more sites now.”

The Heywood Housing Partnership on Pine Street say local residents have shown interest in the new homes and that similar developments are being planned.

Any Heywood residents interested in the scheme can contact Deborah Beagin from Heywood Housing Partnership on 01706 692000.