29/07/11 - 51 Eco Homes complete in Kettering

These are of mixed tenure, providing homes for both shared ownership and rent. The development is on a former allotment site provided by the council and will help meet the affordable housing demand present outside of the town centre.

The houses will be built according to the Code of Sustainable Homes Level 4. The Code is the national standard for the sustainable design and construction of new homes. The Code aims to reduce our carbon emissions and create homes that are more sustainable. In order to reach the level, Thomas Vale has installed photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic’s are best known as a method for generating electric power by using solar cells to convert energy from the sun into electricity. The photovoltaic effect refers to photons of light knocking electrons into a higher state of energy from the sun into electricity.

Glen Schofield, Divisional Director, Thomas Vale Construction said: “We have really enjoyed working with Orbit to achieve these state of the art eco homes. To see them occupied is great and we hope the residents of Kettering enjoy them. Thomas Vale managed to meet tight deadlines which were set for this project; this was achieved by working closely with the team at Orbit Homes.” In February 2010 the development was visited by Grant Shapps, MP, Housing Minister. MrShapps was at the development after announcing the New Homes Bonus in Kettering. During his visit he commented: "This is exactly the kind of high-quality and affordable family housing that this country needs to create strong communities for the future. "Furnace Lane shows how collaboration between Government, councils like Kettering and major housing providers like Orbit is delivering local housing for local people in partnership with the community." Steve Lambley, Regional Development Manager for Orbit Homes added: “By using innovative technology which will help save energy and reduce fuel bills for the occupants these Code 4 homes represent the eco-home of the future.” “Thomas Vale and Orbit Homes worked in close partnership to deliver the high quality, affordable homes at Furnace Lane and we hope this is the first of many successful joint ventures.”