Green light for over 80 low-carbon homes in Cambridge

Cambridge Investment Partnership has won permission to build over 80 low-carbon affordable homes on three new developments in the city.Aylesborough Close in the Ward of Arbury will see 36 aging homes replaced with 70 low-carbon council homes designed to Passivhaus standards, creating homes that are set to reduce running costs for residents.The Aragon Close and Sackville Close developments, both situated in the King’s Hedges ward of the city, will provide seven low-carbon homes.Gerri Bird, executive councillor for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member, said: “We are committed to tackling the acute housing shortage in Cambridge by bringing forward sites which are underutilised or no longer fit for purpose to provide modern high-quality affordable homes for local people within existing residential areas.“I am also pleased to see that all the homes are designed to be accessible for any visitors using a wheelchair with a number designed for anyone in a wheelchair to be able to live in.”Aylesborough Close will see the replacement of a set of existing small flat blocks with three blocks, with homes ranging in size from one bedroom up to three bedrooms.The homes to be replaced no longer meet the requirements of residents, falling short of current space standards and with low energy-efficiency ratings.The three blocks will be accessed off Aylesborough Close, Jermyn Close/Fordwich Close, and will feature a new green link along the northern boundary of the development.Existing green spaces will be enhanced along the edges of the site, and there will be new landscaping features and additional trees.A community garden with some play equipment and seating for residents is also included.Tom Hill, regional director for Hill, said: “We are delighted to have achieved approval for these three sites which meet our objectives of creating low carbon, environmentally and socially sustainable new places to live in Cambridge.“We are also promoting sustainable travel within our developments with electric vehicle charging and pedestrian and cycle friendly routes to existing local amenities incorporated to ensure that we reduce the need to use cars.”At Aragon Close and Sackville Close, Cambridge Investment Partnership will be replacing existing garages and hardstanding at each site with seven two-bedroom low-carbon council homes, designed using Passivhaus principles.Each development will also provide car parking, landscaping, and cycle storage.The homes will have very-low energy use and heating costs, according to the partners, with thick insulated walls and gas-free heating.Image: Artist’s impression of the completed Aylesborough Close development in CambridgeRead next: Non-profit to deliver UK’s first 3D printed housing schemeAre you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.