Affordable eco-homes built in London

A housing developer in Islington has built a number of new and affordable 'eco homes' designed to boost sustainability in the area.

The homes Rainham Marshes, in the northeast of London, are mostly prefabricated off-site and craned into place.

Although they are relatively rare in the UK, developers say they will help to combat the housing crisis.

The homes have been developed by Climate Energy Homes for Circle Housing, which owns properties across the capital, predominantly in Highbury, Islington.

Christine Hynes is the brainchild behind this new affordable housing plot. She said that she came up with the idea after wondering why it was so difficult for her to find a home that she actually wanted to live in.

She told The Telegraph: "I had no construction experience, but I went to Sweden to see how they build houses there and came back convinced we could do something like that in the UK.

"They take pressure off the grid because they require less heating, they are good for the economy because occupants have more money in their pockets and because they are made with all natural materials, the indoor air quality is also very good."

These new homes are being hailed as an alternative to the ever-rising house prices in the capital.

Recent research published by Halifax showed that the annual rate of property price increase also rose again with prices in the three months to February 7.9 per cent higher than in the same period last year.

The increase has been attributed to the heightened demand for new properties.

London Assembly Member Nicky Gavron, spokesman for Labour on housing and planning, said that these new affordable homes would help to go some way towards combating the city's housing crisis.

He said: "These houses are an opportunity to get the homes we need now, fast. These are not the boxy prefabs of the past, these are the homes of the future."

Published 15th May, 2014

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