housing

Plaw Hatch Close, Bishops Stortford

This £1.9m development comprises 18 units (14 houses and 4 flats) for affordable rent for South Anglia Housing, This site is the second phase of a scheme, the first of which saw 48 units developed on 11 garage sites throughout Hertfordshire. The phased development of the garage sites identified the requirement for more afforable housing in Bishops Stortford.

The 18 homes have been designed to provide a variety of external finishes, including brick, cladding, external render and stone window surrounds. Two units have been been constructed for disabled residents, incorporating covered walkways and car ports, specially adapted wet-rooms, heigh adjustable kitchen worktops and units into their design and the two storey home has a wheelchair lift.

The homes have achieved Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3, Lifetime Homes, Building for Life and Secured by Design standards. They incorporate photovoltaic panels, smart meters, sutainably-sourced timber and good thermal insulation to help residents' energy bills and their carbon footprint. The ecological value of the site has also been improved by increasing the number of spcies per hectare.

The development was due for completion in March 2012 but all the units were handed over early in November and December 2011..

Client: South Anglia Housing

Contract Period: 16 months

Value: £1.9m

Services: Architect, Employers Agent, Clerk of Works, CDM Coordinator and sustainability adviser