New eco-homes in St Catherine's Mews are most energy-efficient in the region

A £2.1 million batch of new social eco-homes has been unveiled as among the most energy-efficient in the region.

The 14 homes in St Catherine's Mews, Ashby, boast the latest green technologies, including rainwater harvesting, solar heating and heat recovery systems, and will house up to 70 people.

investing in youth: From left, TG Sowerby owner Glynn Sowerby watches joinery apprentice Jake Arnell and former joinery apprentice Jim Creasy fit a kitchen in one of the new new eco-friendly houses. Picture: Carl Gac

The scheme was part- funded by a £1.2 million grant from the Homes And Communities Agency (HCA) and has been rated Level Four in the Code For Sustainable Homes, the highest currently available in the region.

Rob Pearson, head of area at the HCA, said: "These homes will benefit local people by providing a range of houses for rent, from family homes to accommodation for older people.

"The homes are built to a high standard that will ensure energy bills will be reduced for the tenants.

"It is excellent that, through this scheme, we can support a local firm's proven commitment to training at the same time as providing affordable homes for up to 70 local people."

The properties were built by Scunthorpe-based TG Sowerby Developments and will be made available to rent by social landlords Long- hurst And Havelock Homes.

They are the first in North Lincolnshire to be granted a Level Four rating by the Code For Sustainable Homes.

Glyn Sowerby, director of Sowerby Developments, said: "The partnering agreement we have with the Longhurst Group leads to an ideal situation locally and allows apprentices to learn various disciplines, such as brickwork and joinery.

"We believe giving our apprentices and trainees the chance to work within an active construction site and building environment is still the way forward.

"Giving young people these opportunities should be further encouraged, as should our own commitment to local employment."

Andrew Martin, 20, completed his apprenticeship on the site and is now working as a joiner with the company.

He said: "The company have provided me with a great opportunity to learn various aspects of the joinery trade and now put them into practice on a full-time basis."

Simon Dillon, project manager for Longhurst And Havelock Homes, said: "We are delighted to have been a part of this scheme, using renewal technologies and modern methods of construction on these Code For Sustainable Homes Level Four homes.

"We have successfully worked with TG Sowerby Developments on numerous projects over the past 15 years and we are extremely pleased this has enabled the on-site training of apprentices."