Staffordshire Moorlands District Council

Norbury Court, a cluster of houses in Sneyd Street, has been developed by Staffordshire Housing Association in partnership with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and LHL Developments to help meet the area's need for more family accommodation for rent. It is the first new social housing in Leek for several years, and the first social housing in North Staffordshire to be awarded Code Level 3 for Sustainable Homes*.

At the opening, a weeping birch tree was planted by Councillor Gill Heath and Staffordshire Housing Association's Deputy Chair, Bill Finney.

Prospective residents were also on site viewing the homes, and their reactions of delight were unanimous. Susan Lomas, who is to move into a dormer bungalow with her three children, Ryan, 11, Emma, 9, and Ethan, 6, said, 'These homes are fantastic, especially with all the green features that have been built in. I can't wait to move the family in and make the place our own.'

Norbury Court comprises seven three-bed houses, one two-bed house and one three-bed dormer bungalow. Ecological features of the scheme include:

Marshall Fear, Head of Regeneration and Development at Staffordshire Housing Association, said, 'We are really proud of these homes and delighted to be the first to achieve Code Level 3 for their ecological status. Now we are looking forward to the residents moving in and experiencing the financial and environmental benefits of the eco features for themselves.'

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council nominated applicants off its Housing Register who were in the greatest housing need in the local area.

Councillor Gill Heath, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: "These homes have transformed a redundant garage site and are an excellent example of how properties can be affordably and sustainably built. These properties will make a real difference to people's lives and the local community, yet with minimal environmental impact. The ecological features will ensure that household running costs such as for water and electricity are kept to a minimum."

Councillor Andrew Hart, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: "As a council, we have nomination rights for such social housing, and the waiting list is unfortunately a long one. These houses will provide high quality accommodation for nine families. There is a clear need for affordable social housing in the district and we'd like to see other developers follow the very high standards set at Norbury Court."