The most eco-friendly homes in Yorkshire and the Humber have been completed by Lovell in Bradford.

Twelve of the 45 properties built by Lovell for Bradford Council at the Pavilion Gardens scheme in Longfield Drive are the first in the region to reach Level 6, the highest standard meaning they produce zero carbon dioxide emissions, of the Government's Code for Sustainable Homes.

They feature the latest solar photovoltaic panels, a communal biomass boiler and high levels of insulation designed to make them carbon-neutral and reduce occupants' energy bills by an estimated average of £500 a year.

The remaining 33 homes have been built to Lovel 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Bradford Council and the Homes and Communities Agency jointly funded the £5.6 million scheme, the first council house project in Bradford for 30 years, to help ease the demand for affordable homes. They have been built by Lovell and managed by Yorkshire Housing.

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All of the properties feature rainwater harvesting systems for use in toilets, as well as water for external use via a tap. Two construction apprentices were trained on the development.

Cllr the Reverend Paul Flowers, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Housing, said: "I am delighted this scheme has been completed and very proud that Bradford is officially the home to the most environmentally friendly houses in Yorkshire.

"They give a flavour of how houses of the future will be built as standard as the technology develops further and becomes more commonplace.

"There is a major shortage of affordable homes in the district so to be able to address that and act as a standard bearer for eco-friendly building is a great achievement."

Naz Parker, Head of Area at the HCA, said: "I am really pleased that our investment of £2.8 million has helped Bradford Council deliver these homes that will not only provide people with a great place to live but also help reduce heating bills for the tenants and the carbon footprint of the city.

"It is particularly good news that Bradford Council saved money using our developer partner panel so that at no extra cost they could convert 12 of the homes from Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 to the much better Level 6."

Noel Adams, Regional Director at Lovell, said: "We are proud to have worked with the HCA, Bradford Council and Yorkshire Housing on a project that will deliver the first Code 6 homes in Bradford.

"The site team have worked extremely hard to ensure all properties were built to the highest standard and Lovell's involvement in this project recognises both the expertise of the Lovell workforce and our commitment to the environment."

(CD/GK)