06/03/2007   D1/07   Downland

Green homes boost for Portsmouth

An exciting development of 71 new affordable and sustainable homes is to be built at Victoria Road North in Portsmouth.

Leading housing provider Downland Housing Association, part of Affinity Sutton Group, is creating a mix of one and two bedroom apartments, on a site which used to form part of the Cumberland Business Centre.

The development incorporates a host of "green features, enabling the scheme to generate an EcoHomes rating of "very good.

Three of the five blocks will have a total of four sedum roof gardens, which is very good news for residents. Buildings with roof gardens lose 30% less heat in the winter, are cooler in the summer, and offer year-round sound insulation.

Internally, the use of low dual flush WCs, aerated taps, mains pressure showers and low energy light fittings will help to minimise water and electric usage. Outside, rainwater will be collected and used to maintain private and communal areas and refuse storage areas have been designed to easily accommodate additional re-cycling bins.

Mark Perry, Chief Executive for Downland said: "We have been working in partnership with Portsmouth City Council to try and meet the strong demand for affordable homes in Portsmouth.

"The apartments at Victoria Road North will be available for rent to those on the local housing register and will also enable key workers in the area to get onto the property ladder.

The development will make extensive use of prefabricated construction components and substantial off-site construction. It is also proposed that all materials resulting from the demolition of the existing building either be retained, recycled or re-used on site wherever possible.

John Horace, managing director of Horace Architects who designed the project, said: "We are very pleased and proud to be part of a dynamic team working with an innovative client in producing this quality and fully sustainable development. It is very much hoped that this project will become the yardstick for other future exciting opportunities within Portsmouth.

The part buy/part rent scheme helps local key workers who cannot afford to get a mortgage for the full value of the property. The scheme allows applicants to purchase a 25-75 per cent share and pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share. As circumstances change, shares in the home can be increased to 100 per cent.

Cllr Phil Shaddock, executive member for health, housing and social care at Portsmouth City Council, added: "This development will help the council provide much needed properties for local people working to set up in their own homes.

Building work on the £9 million scheme, which is funded by the Housing Corporation as part of their National Affordable Housing Programme, will commence in the next few months.  The homes will be handed over to Downland for management upon completion in July next year.

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