Waverley Borough Council has appointed Southeast based developer Thakeham to build 30 new social and affordable homes at Ockford Ridge in Godalming.
With a focus on sustainability and minimising energy costs, the range of 18 new houses and 12 new flats will be made available for social and affordable rent and shared ownership. Work began in the Autumn of 2022 and all homes are to be completed in December 2023.
These 30 homes at Ockford Ridge will be Net Zero Carbon in lifetime operation. This means that the amount of carbon emissions associated with each building’s energy on an annual basis is zero or negative. A net zero carbon building is highly energy efficient and powered from renewable energy sources. Each home at Ockford Ridge will feature a pre-insulated frame; an air source heat pump, waste water heat recovery, solar panels and EV car charging for most plots.
Stuart Fullwood, Thakeham Partnerships Director, said: “We have already completed 54 affordable homes at Ockford Ridge - delivering much-needed zero carbon in operation, social and affordable housing for existing and new tenants.
“In this next phase, we will continue our focus on the broader social impact of the development and the way our homes and community can help tenants with the cost of living. Zero carbon homes will significantly reduce lifetime costs for Waverley tenants.
“We are working with Waverley Borough Council and the local community through the school and community centre to ensure that our time at Ockford Ridge creates a legacy for generations to come.”
Waverley Borough Council and Thakeham have collaborated with the community to foster initiatives such as school visits and learning workshops, led by local charity Skillway. Together, they also supported a breakfast club, run for the community by St Mark's Community Centre, providing free breakfasts for workers from the centre once a week.
Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Housing Delivery, Councillor Nick Palmer said; “This project is an example of how we can provide housing for those that need it, through sustainable, environmentally friendly building practices.
“These 30 new homes at Ockford Ridge will not only provide much-needed social and affordable housing but will also help to reduce the cost of living for tenants as they will be net zero carbon in operation. We all have a responsibility to create a better world for future generations and projects like this are just one of the ways in which we can do just that.”
Photo from left to right; Waverley Borough Council (WBC) Portfolio Holder for Housing (Operations) Councillor Paul Rivers , Mayor of WBC Councillor John Ward, WBC Housing Development Officer Mark Constable (rear), Thakeham Resident Liaison Officer Cecilia Taylor (foreground), Thakeham, Senior Site Manager Edward Matthews (rear), Leader of WBC and Godalming Central and Ockford Ward Councillor Paul Follows (mid), WBC Housing Development Manager Louisa Blundell (foreground), Thakeham Construction Director Paul Dye (rear), Thakeham Former Managing Director, Northern Homes Counties John Bell, Thakeham Head of External Affairs Tristan Robinson (mid)