Eco friendly, affordable homes receive prestigious award
Written By: Jaime Futers
Category: housing
Tags: environment, green, sustainability
An eco-friendly, affordable housing development in Kettering has received a prestigious award at the Green Apple Environment Awards.
Built on land lain waste for years, 18 much-needed family homes have been awarded Gold for regeneration in building and construction.
The Green Apple Environment Awards, run by The Green Organisation, recognise eco-friendly initiatives and efforts in sustainability.
The two and three bedroom homes in Whiteford Drive were commissioned by Leicester-based social housing group LHA-ASRA after Kettering Borough Council provided a section of unused allotments and garages for the development.
The properties are designed and built to one of the highest ‘green’ standards - Level Five of the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes – by Nottingham-based Franklin Ellis Architects and contractor and developer William Davis Ltd based in Loughborough.
The roofs encompass photovoltaic solar panels, plus extra thick loft and cavity wall insulation to increase energy efficiency.
Michele Walker, programme delivery manager at LHA-ASRA, said: “Winning top prize at the Green Apple Environment Awards highlights the build quality of Whiteford Drive. 
“Transforming disused land into affordable family homes is a real boost for the area. By incorporating eco-friendly elements into the build, we have brought long-term benefits to residents including lower energy costs.
“Properties are also equipped with recycling bins and composting facilities for kitchen waste.”
Whiteford Drive also embraces the bigger ‘eco-picture’ with the installation of bird and bug boxes, as well as a reptile refuge to provide shelter for amphibians in the nearby brook.