The first residents have moved into a new development of ultra-low energy council homes in Exeter.
The first phase of The Gardens, in Vaughan Road, Whipton, has delivered 35 Passivhaus homes for people in housing need.
The homes, funded by Exeter City Council, are a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments for older people, including communal space.
Eventually, the three phases of the development will provide 91 new homes, with high-quality landscaping for the benefit of all residents.
Tom Hannaford, a former tenant of nearby Rennes House, was the first to move into the new homes, together with his wife of 60 years, Christine.
Mr Hannaford said: “We were the first ones in, and our new home is really lovely. We are so happy. There's no way you’re going to get better than this – we love it.”
Council Leader Cllr Phil Bialyk said: “I couldn't be more pleased that the first phase of this scheme is complete and the first residents have moved in.
“Exeter needs more social housing, and the Council is leading the way in developing the highest quality accommodation for the benefit of residents in the city.”
Passivhaus is a low-energy building standard that helps tenants escape fuel poverty by reducing heating bills and creating a stable, draught-free, and healthy environment for people to live in.
Cllr Marina Asvachin, Lead Councillor with responsibility for Housing, said: “It is great that the first residents have now moved into these fantastic new energy-efficient council homes – it was such a pleasure to meet them and see how happy they are in their new home.”
The main contractor for the project was Classic Builders (South West). The scheme was supported by funding from the Government's Land Release Fund, with the backing of One Public Estate.
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