Plans for a landmark energy efficient, low carbon housing site in West Bridgford are moving a step closer.
Developers are set to purchase the former Abbey Road depot site from Rushcliffe Borough Council in the coming months to deliver over 70 new homes that will provide exemplar housing for the Borough and industry.
It will deliver up to 38 new affordable homes in the heart of the town with high quality design and materials and meet central government’s no fossil fuels policy on new build housing a remarkable three years ahead of its 2025 deadline.
The planning permission for the site also references their construction will include a 19 per cent reduction on CO2 levels compared with current building regulations on standard houses across the country.
All homes are set to include an electric car charging point, bike store, bat boxes, bird boxes and new trees.
The site was previously the Council’s depot for its refuse service that has since relocated and had formerly housed a pumping station, bus depot and even a mortuary.
Now the new development will have at least 30 per cent affordable housing, in line with the Council’s target for new sites across the Borough.
That figure may rise to as high as 50 per cent including a high element of part-buy part-rent, which would enable many more families and individuals to step onto the housing ladder in West Bridgford.
There have been some calls for the former pump house on the site to be granted listed status.
However when compared to other examples, the authority believes that the building has little architectural value, possesses no original features internally and could pose the risk of creating derelict land that could increase costs for local taxpayers.
If retained it would be impossible to deliver the same level of affordable housing on the site and the lower receipts to the Council may reduce investment in its key service areas.
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Cllr Simon Robinson said: “We have consistently emphasised the need for energy efficient new homes and this is the ideal opportunity to deliver high quality designs for both private sale and to add much needed affordable housing in West Bridgford.
“We are aware of some local interest in the pump house. Whilst we understand that some features of the building externally may appeal, we are committed to providing a better landscape and homes on this site for future generations.
“Any supporting efforts to preserve this building are not practical as it is not suitable for modern office or residential purposes and is not a high value structure.
“With planning permission already in place here for the new housing we would not support its possible listing. We would urge residents and all stakeholders to consider the significant contemporary and environmental benefits of the new homes in the heart of one of our towns.”