Solar PV Panels Installed at Affordable Housing Scheme in Telford

Construction work is progressing at a scheme of 38 homes located on brownfield land off Park Road in the Malinslee ward of Telford, Shropshire. The homes are being delivered to The Wrekin Housing Group for affordable rent, with 11 having Solar PV panels to generate significant energy savings.

The foundations and footings for all 38 homes are in place, with many of the homes already at roof level. Solihull-based Living Space Housing assembled the land for the 2.1-acre site, secured Full Planning consent and is delivering the construction contract in its entirety, which is worth over £6m. The first homes will be available for occupation in 2022.

Photovoltaic panels are being installed onto the roofs of 11 of the family homes, thanks to green-energy funding secured by The Wrekin Housing Group. The low-maintenance energy solution will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the new households, lower electricity bills, while also enabling renewable energy to be exported back into the grid.

Steve Davies, Managing Director of Living Space Housing said: “We are really proud to be delivering such eco-efficient family homes to the Malinslee estate in Telford. The photovoltaic roof panels are very low maintenance and have a life span of around 25 years. The green technology could enable Wrekin’s future residents to make savings of around 35% off their electricity bills, as well as generating surplus renewable energy back into the grid.

“The smart generation meters in each home will enable the residents to monitor the amount of solar power that is produced. Setting timers for large appliances such as washing machines to come on during the daytime – when the most renewable energy will be generated – is a great way to maximise the potential savings.”

The accommodation mix for the Park Road development comprises four one-bedroom maisonettes, nine two-bedroom houses, 21 three-bedroom houses, two two-bedroom bungalows and two three-bedroom bungalows. Six of the homes will be purpose-built for disabled residents. The site density is 44 dwellings per hectare, which is lower than the overall density for the local area. The scheme is being constructed in red brick with striking rendered features and all 38 homes will have designated parking provision.

Matt Beckley, Development Manager for The Wrekin Housing Group said: “Developments like this one have a key role to play in helping us meet our target of achieving net-zero carbon by 2050. This scheme will benefit our tenants through reduced electricity bills, homes that are more comfortable to live in, and provide improved energy efficiency. There is a real need for good quality, affordable, homes across Telford and this scheme will be very well received because of its convenient location, great transport links and range of local amenities. We are very pleased to be working with Living Space and look forward to being able to hand the keys over to our new residents next year.”

The architect for the scheme is Birmingham-based residential design specialist BM3. Waldeck Consulting is the Employers Agent, Couch Consulting is the Engineer and MV Kelly the Civils Contractor.

Living Space is a development-led residential planning, design and construction services solution for Registered Providers. The young company has recently invested over £20m in the start of construction at five new schemes, where all of the affordable homes will be delivered during 2022.