A Lovell team is starting work on a £2.1 million energy-efficient social housing development in Wirral, Merseyside.

The Wirral Council scheme will create 23 new homes on sites owned by the local authority in Seacombe, Bebington and Prenton. It is going ahead with £1.44 million in funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Lovell, based locally in John Street, Birkenhead, will build nine two-bedroom bungalows, eight two-bedroom flats, four two-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom houses. The housing development, set to be finished in autumn 2011, will be managed on behalf of the Council by Wirral Partnership Homes.

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Properties will meet Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, the system for measuring the environmental performance of new housing, making them 44 per cent more energy efficient than the standards set by current Building Regulations. In partnership with Build Wirral, Lovell will create a number of apprentice training opportunities for local people.

Councillor Chris Blakeley, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: "I am determined that no part of Wirral should be left behind when it comes to tackling areas with poor housing. As well as developing some 'eyesore' sites, this work will also see extra apprenticeships created, which is a priority for the Council."

(CD/GK)