Launch of the Greenhart Grove eco-homes development

14 July 2010

The ground-breaking Greenhart Grove eco-homes development in, Huntingdon was officially launched on Tuesday 13 July 2010 by Councillor Ian Bates, Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council in partnership with Circle Anglia Housing Group and Hill Partnerships.

Greenhart Grove consists of 29 high quality low carbon homes, incorporating some of the most environmentally advanced technologies available. The development has been constructed to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 specification, an environmental impact rating system, which is step five of six on the road to zero carbon development. The features include photo-voltaic panels, solar-heated water, a heat-recovery system, grey-water recycling, smart-metering, insulated panels, triple glazing and live-planted roofs. Anglian Water were also involved and helped to formulate ideas to minimise water usage.

A time capsule, with items associated with the project inside, was buried in the parking area. When opened, it is hoped that people will be able to compare the technologies of 2010 with those that will be developed in the future.

In 2008 the council decided that the site, which it owned, off Mayfield Road, provided an opportunity to build a sustainable, eco-friendly development that could make a positive difference to the social, environmental and economic quality of the area.

The council invited a number of partner housing associations to prepare ideas of how they would provide around 30 affordable homes that would achieve the high sustainability and design standards. The responses were impressive, but none more so than those of Circle Anglia Housing Group.

The merits of the council's vision were recognised when Cambridgeshire Horizons and The Homes and Communities Agency provided grant funding for the project. The funding has helped to provide highly sustainable housing, as well as affordable housing to help those in Huntingdon most in need. 

Councillor Ian Bates, Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council said: "We are confident that the development will be an example that others will follow. It sends a clear message that we are taking responsibility to tackle climate change seriously and are prepared to lead the transition to a 'low carbon' economy. We believe that Greenhart Grove provides a blueprint for sustainable living, as an affordable, inspiring place, in which people will be proud to live."