New Housing on Ellesmere

Story & photos: Rohan Francis

Despite January's freezing temperatures, the first tenants of the new Ellesmere Road housing scheme received a warm welcome into their highly insulated and energy-efficient homes. Developer, Arches Housing, are likely to complete the remaining properties by the end of February.

When completed, the development of 19 houses will offer a variety of house types including 5, 4, 3 and 2 bedroom properties. Each home is designed to lower the occupants' energy use, particularly water heating, by using lots of insulation in the walls and careful sealing of gaps in the joints to prevent internal draughts. The buildings are fitted with Photo Voltaic tiles which will provide free electricity. Arches say these measures should significantly lower tenants’ energy bills.

The 3 bedroom house that Arches showed us round felt nice and warm. The finishings were good quality. The one thing that struck us was the size of the windows, which provide the interior with lots of light – even on the gloomy day we visited.

Standard features such as a fitted bathroom and kitchen, with space for all modern appliances, understairs storage, openable double-glazed windows, gas central heating and a garden with shed, provide families with basic facilities to set up home, whilst a number of the properties have been specially adapted to meet the needs of households with users of wheelchairs or mobility aids.

The properties are awaiting final certification, but Arches said the Ellesmere properties have achieved ‘Code 5 for Sustainable homes’ – a very high rating for domestic buildings of which there are currently very few in Sheffield.

Those properties not already let, will be allocated via the Council's ‘Choice Based Letting Scheme’, which can be accessed through the website: www.sheffieldpropertyshop.org.uk or at Burngreave Housing Office.

Although cuts to housing benefit may impact on potential tenants come the changes in April, Arches said they are allocating their houses based on the current benefit allowances. They are, however, offering advice to any current tenants who may fall under a cut when changes come in. Arches think that, even if their tenants' benefits are cut, some will choose to stay, as they could make up the difference through the reduced energy costs of living in such highly insulated homes.