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Leicester people want to live in environmentally friendly, energy-efficient homes, according to a new study. Leicester Regeneration Company (LRC) asked the public if they would be prepared to pay more to live in greener homes and 65 per cent of people said they would. The question was asked as part of the consultation for the New Community in the St George’s area of the city. John Nicholls, Chief Executive of LRC, said: “The results reflect what we have been hearing from the public, that people want more environmentally friendly homes.” An exciting new housing development on the former Leicester First bus depot site on Wolsey Island will incorporate more energy-efficient homes. It is part of LRC’s plans for the Abbey Meadows site, which include a science and technology park. The housing scheme is being developed by the Metropolitan Housing Trust (MHT) and will incorporate designs by Bill Dunster, well known for his work on the BedZED zero energy housing development in South London. The Wolsey Island site will feature houses designed to capture and use available sunlight, maximise heat storage and minimise heat loss. The apartments will also feature innovative heat-exchange systems, low energy lighting, aerated taps and low energy appliances to help reduce residents’ environmental impact and utility bills. The project will already meet Government requirements for a 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions to be in place for 2050. MHT Director of Development Strategy, David Hill, said: “We have been able to use MHT’s sound balance sheet to grow into new areas of operation in the East Midlands. We have secured large and significant sites against considerable competition from private house builders in these areas. We have no doubt that working in partnership with an expanding range of organisations such as English Partnerships, Leicester Regeneration Company, the Housing Corporation and local authorities, has enabled us to offer unique and attractive solutions to establish mixed and sustainable communities.”
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