The first residents have moved into one of seven new carbon net zero affordable homes in Hindringham. The homes have been made available to local families with a connection with the village.
New Residents
Cameron and Tyra Warnes received their keys from Cllr Wendy Fredericks, Deputy Leader of North Norfolk District Council, and Katie Docherty, Senior Local Delivery Manager at Broadland.
The couple had waited nine years on the housing list between them. They had been living with their six year-old son and 19 month-old daughter in a cramped and expensive private rented home in Fakenham.
Mr and Mrs Warnes, who both grew up close to the village, say that the new home has transformed their life.
At our house in Fakenham we never felt really safe, but here is totally different… Hindringham is a beautiful, calm village, and everyone is friendly… The moment we saw the house it felt like home. We stood outside having a coffee and you could hear a pin drop – a total contrast to where we were living before.
Mrs Warnes, New Resident
Mr Warnes, who works as a postman, added:
When we received a call to offer us the home, we didn’t really believe it. I think we expected it to be rabbit-hutchy, but when we opened the door it took our breath away. And we have a garden overlooking fields – it’s such a better place to bring up the kids.
The fact that the home is energy-efficient is making a big difference too. When we rang British Gas and out that our energy payment was only going to be £45 a month, we were really pleased.
Mr Warnes, New Resident
Now the couple is planning to host both families for their first Christmas in their new home.
Design & Energy Efficiency
The two-bedroom bungalow is one of seven homes built on an infill plot opposite the village school Hindringham. They have been designed in the style of a former farmhouse and converted barns so that they sit sympathetically with the local village landscape, using traditional materials like timber and flint.
The new affordable homes boast a range of energy-efficiency technologies including air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems and air tightness. As a result, they will be net zero operational carbon.
Funding for Affordable Homes in Hindringham
Funding for the project came from BHA and North Norfolk District Council, along with Homes England as part of a wider package to build six local needs exception housing schemes across the district.
Michael Newey, Chief Executive, commented:
The demand we have already seen for these seven homes in Hindringham shows that affordable housing is very much needed in village communities across North Norfolk.
The local lettings policy which applies to this site means that priority has been given to families who have a connection with Hindringham and the surrounding villages, ensuring that these new homes will be a genuine asset to the local community.
Michael Newey, Chief Executive