The first Passivhaus housing development in North Somerset is nearing completion.

Elm Grove in Nailsea is expected to be fully complete by the end of the year, with its first residents already moving in.

The development is a partnership between housing association Alliance Homes, developer Stonewood Homes and North Somerset Council.

Funding support was provided from Homes England and the One Public Estate Land Release Fund for site infrastructure.

The 52-unit scheme will be 100 per cent affordable and is said to be ‘one of the few [Passivhaus schemes] in the South West to offer’ this, according to North Somerset Council.

Half of the homes will be available for social rent and half offered through shared ownership.

Features include triple glazing, solar panels and high levels of insulation.

It is expected that energy bills will be cut by up to 95 per cent compared to the UK average.

Cllr Mark Canniford at North Somerset Council, said: “This development shows what’s possible when local authorities take a proactive role and work with local partners to facilitate housing delivery.

“Elm Grove offers much-needed affordable homes for sale and rent, all built to the highest energy efficiency standards.

“These are the building blocks of thriving local communities, which is why it’s critical these sustainable Passivhaus homes are affordable and of quality.

“Elm Grove sets the tone for what can be achieved when we work in partnership, ensuring development on council land can help local people unlock opportunities over many years to come.”

Sarah McQuatt, service director for new homes at Alliance Homes, added: “We’re proud to be delivering these high-quality, energy-efficient homes in Nailsea.

“Passivhaus certification means our customers will benefit from lower bills and warmer homes, and we’re pleased to be offering these properties as affordable housing for local people.”

James Petherick, land and planning director at Stonewood Homes, said: “Elm Grove is a flagship for sustainable housing in the region.

“We’ve worked closely with our partners to create homes that are not only energy-efficient but also spacious, adaptable and built to a high standard.”

Image: North Somerset Council

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