The ‘For Sale’ signs have gone up outside the first low-energy properties in Bath that are part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s commitment to build more affordable and sustainable housing.
The four-bedroom detached and three-bedroom semi-detached homes at St Joseph’s Court at Sladebrook Road in Bath are already attracting strong interest. They are part of a development of nine houses being delivered by the council’s construction and development company, Aequus Construction Limited.
The exemplar development built to the AECB Low Energy Standard will help Bath and North East Somerset reach its target of net carbon zero by 2030.
The properties’ green credentials include air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery and solar panels, which are set to save the new owners more than 50% on energy bills.
All the homes will have electric vehicle charging points.
The council has acquired two of the semi-detached three-bed homes for affordable housing that will be available to buy under shared ownership.
People who are unable to afford a mortgage on 100% of a home can apply for the government-regulated Help to Buy Shared Ownership scheme. This offers them the chance to buy a share of their home and pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share, with the combined payment being less than buying a property on the open market.
Councillor Kevin Guy, council Leader, viewed one of the show homes yesterday. He said: “It’s not surprising that these properties have already generated a great deal of interest. The sustainability credentials of St Joseph’s Court are a shining example of how it’s possible for developers to support climate emergency goals at the same time as making a profit. These high-quality, low-energy homes are an attractive prospect for home buyers, especially the two we have acquired for shared ownership as they will help people to get a foot on the home ownership ladder more easily.”
Charles Gerrish, chair of Aequus, said: “This is another great achievement for Aequus following our successful development at Riverside View in Keynsham. I’m pleased that following the recent government announcement that before 2022 all new homes and offices will have to include electric car chargers, it’s clear we are ahead of the game. The properties at St Joseph’s Court are going to make lovely homes for buyers who will benefit from the low-energy features too.”
St Joseph’s Court, named after the former church located on the site, is being built to AECB Energy Efficient Building Standards which reduces overall CO2 emissions by 70% compared to the UK average for similar buildings. The site was acquired by Aequus from the Diocese of Clifton in 2019.
A legal covenant for the development is to be put in place to restrict any future use of the homes as HMOs.
The homes currently available to buy can be viewed here. All potential sales enquiries should be directed to Gregorys Estate Agents
For more information on shared ownership at St Joseph’s Court please contact Gregorys
Aequus is wholly owned by Bath & North East Somerset Council with all net profits, currently estimated at £1m a year, returned to the council to help support the cost of public services.
Find out more about Aequus at: https://www.aequusdevelopments.co.uk/
