Long Meadow, Diss
Leading the way once again, C-Zero is creating a development of sustainable and affordable homes in Diss, Norfolk. See www.longmeadowdiss.co.uk The first phase of 29 homes has been completed and occupied.
Long Meadow is a ‘rural exception site’ which was granted planning permission for building affordable housing for local people. There are going to be 114 homes in total, including 102 affordable units specifically for local people.
To ensure it does benefit local people, 87 properties are being sold to eligible local people to purchase at prices are at least 25 per cent off open market values. Peddars Way Housing Association has taken 15 of the dwellings to let out to local tenants.
The use of renewable materials in the main structure of the build ensures that the housing has a very low carbon footprint. The thermally insulating nature of the construction materials ensure that residents can also benefit from lower energy bills than people living in houses which are constructed using traditional methods.
The second phase of properties at Long Meadow will be built as soon as an alternative form of low cost home ownership has been agreed with South Norfolk Council. The initial model used, "Discounted Market Sale" does not currently have sufficient mortgage lender support to be used on a larger scale.