Bath-based construction firm Halsall has started building the first new council houses in 20 years for Mid Devon District Council.
The 22 homes on a site at Crediton are under construction to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 standards and feature insulated timber frames, good thermal performance on windows and doors and hot water and heating through a solar thermal system.
The homes are being built to the same high-quality design and space standards as social housing, ensuring features such as double the air tightness that Building Regulations require and increased sound insulation between party walls.
Halsall managing director Andy Corp said: “With the Government focus on social housing delivery, we are now starting to see increased activity in the market.
“The scheme in Crediton is particularly interesting in that Mid Devon Council has invested in the development on its own and not partnered with a RSL or the HCA.
By councils taking this alternate route to providing social housing, we hope we will see more opportunities unlocked in the future.”
The council’s cabinet member for housing, Cllr Ray Stanley added: “This development is only one of many recent initiatives to help those who live in our properties. In the more distant future, providing funding can be obtained, further brownfield sites will be developed. Our intention is to continue to provide new accommodation for those in need of homes.”
Halsall Construction, which began trading in 1973, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bath-based Shepperton Group.
