An estate full of ‘homes of the future’ is taking shape near Cromer. 

The 19 houses off Broadgate Close in Northrepps will boast features like insulated timber frames, triple-glazed windows, air-source heat pumps, air tightness with mechanical ventilation and rooftop solar panels. 

They are the first such ‘net zero’ homes to be built for Broadland Housing Association, with the work being carried out by Norwich-based contractor Smith of Honingham.

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Michael Newey, Broadland Housing’s chief executive, said: “The technology we are installing here will make these homes fuel efficient and reduce the energy bills for the new tenants as well as fulfilling our ambitions set out in our corporate strategy to reduce the environmental impact of the new homes we build.”

Eight of the homes are for affordable rent, two are for shared ownership, and nine will be sold on the open market through Broadland Housing’s subsidiary Broadland St Benedicts.

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Work started earlier this year and they should be finished next spring. 

Councillor Wendy Fredericks, North Norfolk District Council’s housing and people services portfolio holder, said: “These new eco homes are incredibly important and will help residents reduce costs in the current climate.”