New council homes in Brentwood could be 50% cheaper to power
The proposed new heat source pumps and solar panels.
Last updated 27th Sep 2022
Dozens of zero carbon homes in Pilgrims Hatch being planned by Brentwood Borough Council will be so efficient that heating bills could be reduced by up to 50 per cent.
The proposed 40 zero carbon one and two bedroom apartments on land south of Harewood Road would be powered by ground heat source pumps and solar panels.
While a small amount of the energy consumed by the homes would be derived from fossil fuels, its net reliance will amount to net zero.
The Harewood Road regeneration following demolition of 29 social housing existing flats is the second regeneration scheme to come forward as part of the council’s Affordable Housing Development New Council Homes Programme. It follows Brentwood Council’s plans for 62 zero carbon ‘in use’ homes for Brookfield Close, in Hutton.
A statement as part of planning documents said: “These net zero homes will create comfortable healthy homes which are affordable to run, eliminating fuel poverty, future proofing these homes for the demands of our changing climate. Through this project Brentwood Council are demonstrating their drive for excellence and setting a new high bar for the area and beyond. Opening the way for net zero carbon to become the benchmark standard for new homes across the country.”
Ground source heat pumps would be installed within each dwelling, providing space heating and domestic hot water. The roof will accommodate between 330 and 400 solar panels.
There will be no gas boilers or cookers. The homes will become so well performing that the energy required to heat them, and maintain the heat, is expected to considerably reduce. For those who live in the homes it also means much cheaper energy bills – heating bills could be up to 50 per cent less than existing bills, the council said.
Zero Carbon (in use) refers to operational carbon – this is the carbon emissions generated during the building’s lifetime relating to its use and principally arising from the building’s energy demand. To achieve net zero carbon emissions means offsetting actual energy use with energy derived from renewable energy sources.
If planning permission is granted, the council says it will work with residents to find suitable accommodation elsewhere in council homes within the borough. All council tenants who have lived in their existing home for 12 months and have a secure tenancy agreement in place will have a right to return to a new home on the site once completed.
The small sites affordable homes programme has been initiated by Brentwood Council to better utilise the Council’s land and assets whilst delivering affordable homes for local residents on brownfield site over a seven year period with phase 1 aiming to achieving at least 100 new homes. The wider programme, undertaken by Brentwood Borough Council, has so far assessed and scored 19 sites for the delivery of new council homes and have commissioned further capacity studies on nine sites.
Councillor Maria Pearson, Chair of the Environment, Enforcement and Housing Committee said: “This is a very exciting time for the Council as we will be building homes for people that desperately need council housing.”