Legal & General Affordable Homes to build its first net zero homes

15 April 2024

Legal & General Affordable Homes’ is partnering with Essex construction firm ROSE Builders to deliver 44 new affordable homes on Hart Road, Thundersley.

The 100% affordable scheme is being delivered by Legal & General Affordable Homes (LGAH) in partnership with Rose Builders, helping to tackle the acute shortage of affordable housing locally.

The development will see LGAH deliver its first net zero (regulated) carbon homes, marking a major milestone in the business’ commitment to driving down carbon emissions.

The new homes will include 35 for Shared Ownership and 9 for affordable rent, comprised of 19 two- and 25 three-bedroom houses with private gardens.

The site, situated within the town of Thundersley on land at Hart Road, is sustainably located close to existing local amenities, including a doctor’s surgery, public house, primary and secondary schools.

The proposals also open up the site, to public access and will provide new green spaces including a small forest and areas of natural play for new residents and the wider community.

The new community is designed to encourage biodiversity and walkability, enhancing existing habitats where possible and introducing new habitats through improved landscaping, including a wildflower meadow and native tree planting. New pathways for pedestrians will also be created.

All homes will be EPC A, specifically designed to be energy efficient to meet the emerging Future Home Standard, with 90% of the homes achieving Net Zero regulated carbon. As such, all homes will have high-quality architecture and modern design, with energy efficient design, air source heat pumps, solar panels and EV charging.

LGAH now has nearly 5,000 homes in operation with over 2,000 in development planned across the country. Nearly 450 homes were handed over at the end of 2023 bringing much needed affordable housing to local communities.

Ben Denton, Chief Executive, Legal & General Affordable Homes: “The gap between supply and demand of affordable housing has never been greater, and, as the cost of living is rising, it’s getting more and more difficult to save for a deposit and buy a property outright.
“Our new scheme at Hart Road is solely affordable housing with a mix of affordable rent and Shared Ownership properties built to high sustainability standards, to not only help locals get on the property ladder but also keep costs down in the future.

“We are passionate about building good quality homes in great locations to help people and communities thrive and our latest scheme at Hart Road will go some way in achieving that.”

Sam Brown, Development Director, Rose Builders:
“Rose is delighted to partner with Legal & General Affordable Homes to address the critical need for affordable housing in Essex.

“This project aligns with our core values of community service and sustainable quality development. We are committed to delivering new homes that not only meet the housing needs of residents but also contribute positively to the environment.

“Rose Builders, a fifth generation family firm, is committed to continuing to deliver excellence in all aspects of building, constructing and delivering new quality homes in Essex.”

Source: Legal & General