Affordable eco-homes - Testway Housing shows the way

They look like something from the future but for people living in Hampshire they are available today - affordable eco-homes.

The Testway Housing scheme could prove an inspiration to other social housing providers as they attempt to balance the need for affordable housing with the 'carbon-neutral' aspirations of the Government.

The 17 environmentally-friendly houses and flats at Hockney Green, Andover, named after the English artist David Hockney, have gone on sale from £90,000, for a 50% share.

As part of the scheme, Testway Housing will retain the other half which can then be bought at a later stage.

The five houses and 12 flats are being built with £1.175 million funding from the Housing Corporation and a grant of £75,000 from Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC).

The homes have many features that help cut down on energy use making them cheaper to run and better for the environment. Residents should enjoy lower heating bills because of solar panels on the south facing roofs that provide heating. This is backed up by a wood pellet boiler.

Testway's partnership development manager, Rachel Credidio said: "This is an exciting new project and a first for Andover.

"The development will provide much needed new homes for the area and we hope to provide more properties of this kind in the future."

To help local families onto the property ladder, two two-bedroom homes and two three-bedroom home will be sold through shared ownership.
Residents will only need to buy a 50% share. The other 13 properties will be for rent.

People will buy a half share of a two bedroom home for around  £90,000 and pay £105,000 for a half share of the three-bedroom home. The full market value is £180,000 and £210,000 respectively.

Residents will be required to pay rent to Testway on the remaining share.

Housing Portfolio Holder, Councillor Sandra Hawke said: "I am delighted that Test Valley Borough Council has been involved in funding such an innovative development especially as the original suggestion came from two Test Valley residents.

"The project will give residents a chance to live in a home that is modern, energy efficient and great for the environment!"

The homes have many other interesting features including an internal balcony, and large south facing windows providing a lot of daylight and a 'sun space' similar to a conservatory.

Wind cowls on the roof turn as the wind blows and bring in fresh air without losing the heat.

Each house has a timber decked area and garden with storage space. Water butts are provided to store rainwater, which can then be used for the garden.

The project, which costs £3.1 million, is due to be completed this spring.