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NEWS |
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Work
on the proposed Rackheath Eco-Community
could start before the end of the year
after the government pledged almost £16m
towards supporting the scheme.
Rackheath is to receive an initial £9.55m
towards building an exemplar phase featuring
200 homes. The money will also pay for the
existing 850 homes in the area to undergo
a “retrofit” which will see residents
offered grants to finance energy saving improvements.
A further contribution of up to £6m
is expected from the government next financial
year, helping to fund improvements to local
schools, better bus and cycle links and a
sustainable water study, in collaboration
with the Environment Agency.
Housing minister John Healey said: “Rackheath
has done a huge amount of work to plan new
homes designed and built to the toughest
ever environmental standards.
“But green living isn’t just about homes;
that’s why this cash will help transform
local schools and create new transport links
and energy sources. By the time the eco-towns
are finished, green living will already be
a way of life for these communities.”
Rackheath is one of four proposed eco-developments
to be awarded a share of the government’s £60m
pot towards creating a new wave of eco-communities
in the country in response to a nationwide
demand for new housing and the increasing
threat of climate change.
The initial exemplar phase at Rackheath will
showcase the nature and design of energy-efficient
homes being proposed for the community, which
will ultimately generate its own energy via
a dedicated on-site biomass fuelled power
plant.
Paul Knowles, of Norwich-based Building Partnerships
who are promoting Rackheath, said: “This
is very good news for the Norwich area. The
money is a great kick-start for the green
initiatives that underpin the philosophy
driving Rackheath.”
See News >
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Welcome
Welcome to the Rackheath Eco-Community
website, designed to tell you everything you need to know about the
proposed pioneering new development for the village of Rackheath
near Norwich in Norfolk.
Eco-Communities are being encouraged by the government in response
to the increasing need to respond to the challenge of climate change.
After lengthy consideration the government recently gave the go-ahead
to four proposed Eco-towns in the UK, including Rackheath which was
previously awarded Grade A status in terms of its sustainability
as an Eco-Community - the only site to attract top rating.
The demand for environmentally-friendly residential schemes which
encourage and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable living is greater
than ever. The global population is rising rapidly and we are consuming
more natural resources every year than the planet can replenish.
Eco-Communities such as Rackheath will be low carbon
developments, designed to the highest environmental standards
and acting as
best practice examples for future design and construction. They
will feature:
- Renewable on-site energy production capable of
supplying heat and power to every home
- User-friendly public transport systems, encouraging people
to use trains, buses, cycles and walkways
- Efficient recycling and waste management
- High quality amenities, including shops, schools and sports
facilities
- A network of green open spaces, parks and gardens
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This website contains the latest
news and information about the Rackheath project, key background
information about Eco-Communities and links to other relevant websites
and organisations.
You will also find details of how to get in touch
to voice your opinion or ask questions about the scheme.
From the outset, the developers and authorities are keen to incorporate
the views and opinions of all interested parties. A series of public
consultations and presentations have begun in and around Rackheath
and the wider Norwich area.
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Overview