Work has begun on a £1.2 million project to build the first council houses in Charnwood in more than 20 years.

The nine new affordable and energy efficient properties will be built in Shepshed, Barrow-Upon-Soar and Thurmaston.

It is part of Charnwood Borough Council's bid to provide 250 affordable homes in the Borough by 2012.

The housing schemes were able to progress following an investment of £406,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) – the national housing and regeneration agency.

-- Advertisement --

The new properties will meet high energy efficiency standards and will feature timber-frame construction, high levels of insulation in the walls and roof, and energy efficient windows and doors.

They will be designated for local families and older and disabled people in housing need and should be available from May 2011.

Councillor John Bush, Charnwood Borough Council's cabinet member for housing, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to see we are now able to start work on these new buildings – our first council homes in two decades.

"These new developments, although small, are an important part of the council's plan to provide affordable homes for our residents.

"Not only will they become homes to those most in need, they are also highly energy efficient so reduce the impact on the environment."

(CD)