The site of former garages in Oxhey, owned by Watford Borough Council, has been converted into a small development of five three-bedroom, affordable rent family homes for local people.
In line with the council’s climate emergency commitments, which includes reaching carbon net zero by 2030, the homes are designed to meet levels of BRE’s Home Quality Mark which means they are highly energy-efficient, green and built to an excellent standard.
Two families have already moved into the homes which are designed to have very low bills over their lifetime. This is achieved with high levels of insulation, PV panels on the roof which produce energy to power electrical appliances, and an air source heat pump that ensures the homes are well heated and warm in the colder months.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said “We are using the land we own as a council to create affordable and sustainable homes for local people. These energy-efficient homes are good for the environment and will mean lower fuel bills for residents too.”
The new homes are well connected to local schools, public transport and other key infrastructure.
Cllr Stephen Johnson, portfolio holder for property, planning and housing, said “The rising costs of fuel makes it more important than ever that the new homes we create now will cost very little to run. Hundreds of thousands of families across the UK are already in fuel poverty and can’t afford to heat their homes – that’s why the green homes like these at Riverside Road are so important and point the way towards future housebuilding in our town.”
The Riverside Road homes will be independently assessed against Level 4 of the Home Quality Mark in the Spring to ensure the design commitments in the original submission have been met. Watford Community Housing will be responsible for the long-term management of the homes.
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