20 New Passivhaus Standard Homes to be Built in Halton, Lancaster

South Lakes Housing (SLH) in partnership with the Lune Valley Community Land Trust is delighted to be progressing our first Passivhaus Standard scheme that will create 20 new homes in Halton, Lancaster.

The exceptionally low-energy Passivhaus standard will help to cut carbon emissions and will significantly improve affordable warmth for residents.

Planning was approved by Lancaster City Council in December 2020 for us to develop 20 new high-quality family homes for affordable rent and shared ownership, for the benefit of local people.

The houses will be constructed using airtight building fabric, high-performance windows and doors with insulated frames will also be used. They will be all electric and with the aspiration to link to local renewable energy sources, namely the local hydroelectricity plant on the River Lune.

Passivhaus homes are built with meticulous attention to detail, rigorous design and construction according to principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany. These homes generally need 90% less energy for heating and hot water than standard buildings and have very low running costs.

The use of this approach will aid SLH in achieving its aspiration to reduce household bills for customers and help achieve affordable warmth whilst also helping to reduce our Environmental Impact.

Cath Purdy, Chief Executive of South Lakes Housing said, We are delighted to be delivering Passivhaus building here in Lancaster to provide low-energy and high-performing homes. We must all play a part if we are to decarbonise our economy and we need homes that are fit for purpose, that are affordable to heat, that are comfortable and healthy, which is so important to many families. 

Charles Ainger, Chair of Lune Valley Community Land Trust said This innovative housing development was born from the need for high quality, affordable housing for local people in the Halton area. It has been achieved because of a sustained collaborative effort between Lune Valley CLT, Lancaster City Council and SLH. Thanks to everyone who has helped us realise our dream of making affordable Passivhaus standard homes a reality.

The project has been funded by South Lakes Housing, Lancaster City Council and Homes England and we are working in partnership to deliver these new homes with Tyson Construction, John Gilbert Architects, R G Parkins and Partners and Elliott Associates to deliver the homes by Summer 2022.

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