Vital progress is being made on a new, low carbon, affordable homes site in Peacehaven, East Sussex, as the first factory-built homes are craned into place.
The scheme is being delivered in partnership by social housing provider Stonewater and Boutique Modern, the UK’s first certified B Corp modular construction company, and is being delivered with the support of Lewes District Council and Baily Garner.
Upon completion the site — formerly home to a plant hire company and derelict residential property — will comprise of 40 homes constructed using modern methods of construction (MMC) from Boutique Modern’s factory in Newhaven, just five miles from the development.
Consisting of three one-bedroom flats, six two-bedroom flats, 20 two-bedroom houses and 11 three-bedroom houses, all the modular homes will be available for affordable rent and have been constructed to high energy efficiency standards.
Boutique Modern’s B Corp certification means that the company uses the highest social and environmental performance standards in the industry. Furthermore, each home’s energy performance will be optimised to maximise the potential fuel and energy efficiency for each resident, and with the homes being factory built three miles from their final location, carbon efficiency is also amplified.
The project has brought significant benefits to the local economy, with over £3.5m being spent with local businesses, suppliers and subcontractors within the district and the creation of 14 new, full-time roles in all areas of construction.
Marie Riordan, Director of Development (Central and South) at Stonewater said: “To see the first homes delivered on site was a wonderful moment. As the cost-of-living and energy crisis continues to financially impact households, providing homes that are affordable to run whilst mitigating the environmental impact during the construction phase has never been more important. This development solidifies Stonewater’s commitment to building energy-efficient, high-quality homes that deliver real benefits to not only the customers that live there, but the local community too.”
Lucas Shone, Projects Director at Boutique Modern commented: “Stonewater has demonstrated a true commitment to its values in delivering this project with us. Not only will the scheme deliver quality affordable homes on a former brownfield site. By working with us Stonewater has also shown a genuine dedication to supporting local economy and delivering social value, as well as minimising environmental impact during construction. Stonewater is a fantastic company to work with and we hope to deliver many more schemes like this across the South East.”
