Prime Minister opens Cottsway's 'green' homes
21.06.2011
David Cameron has officially opened Cottsway Housing’s latest rural housing development Stanton Harcourt at Blackditch.
Following an introductory speech by Kate Wareing, vice chairman of Cottsway’s Board, Mr Cameron opened the new development with a speech and ribbon-cutting ceremony. He then had a look around one of the new homes and spent time talking to residents, councillors, developers and staff. Guests then gathered in the village hall for a buffet and a display showing the environmental features of the new homes and the benefits they can bring.
"This development is innovative and creative and Cottsway is leading the way in providing green homes," said Mr Cameron. "It is vital to build new housing in rural areas to help sustain local services such as shops and Post Offices."
The scheme is a pioneering new project using carbon neutral products and renewable technologies to provide sustainable dwellings with lower running costs. Features include hemp-based breathable walls, ground source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels, under floor heating and a rainwater harvesting system.
All 16 of the new homes are for rent, providing much-needed affordable housing for people with a local connection to the village.
David Waters, Cottsway’s chief executive, said "We are delighted that David Cameron has opened our latest homes. Whilst Cottsway celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, we would like to congratulate Mr Cameron on his ten years since being elected as MP for West Oxfordshire."
Cllr Verena Hunt, West Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing said, "Providing affordable housing continues to be a priority for West Oxfordshire District Council. It is not only about providing homes for people in need, but also helping to maintain vibrant thriving communities. Because of our rural exception sites policy, it has been possible for many small scale affordable housing schemes, such as the one in Stanton Harcourt, to be built."
Tracy Gordon, Manager - Carbon Challenge & Millennium Communities, Homes and Communities Agency, said: "It’s great that the Prime Minister has seen this innovative, exciting project. This is one of eight projects which formed part of the HCA’s Renewable House Programme in England – and will help show the house-building industry how high standards of sustainability can be achieved. To have Mr Cameron visit and praise the scheme is very welcome and well deserved."
Cottsway has worked in partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council through Oxfordshire Rural Housing Partnership on this development. It was grant-funded by an investment of £320,000 from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Low Carbon Investment Fund; £88,000 from DECC Low Carbon Buildings Programme; with the remaining £800,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency Social Housing Grant.
The architects were Kendall Kingscott and the homes were constructed by EG Carter from Gloucester.
For further information please contact Dee Hempstead on 01993 890000.
