Sustainable Low Carbon Development of Affordable Housing

Rackheath - a sustainable development to highest environmental standards

Home

Overview of Rackheath Eco-Community

What is an Eco-Community?

In July 2007 the government announced proposals for a series of Eco-Communities to be built across the UK. The initiative came in response to the increasing implications of climate change and a nationwide shortage of housing.

The plan is to create new sustainable developments, designed to the highest environmental standards and acting as examples for future residential schemes.

Fifty-seven schemes were originally proposed. There are 12 currently being considered, including Rackheath near Norwich which is the only site to be granted Grade A status by the government in recognition of its suitability to accommodate sustainable development.

The government has opened a formal public consultation process and is inviting comments and ideas on the proposals and locations. The consultation will run until March 6th 2009. www.ecotownsyoursay.direct.gov.uk

Eco-Communities will be low carbon developments promoting:

self-sustaining renewable energy production
efficient waste management and reduction
minimum transport emissions
highly efficient water usage

By utitlising modern renewable energy production processes, the Rackheath Eco-Community will be self-supporting. Options include wind power, biomass boilers and ground source heat pumps, all established and environmentally-friendly sources of energy.

The Eco-Community will be commited to efficient public transport links, providing frequent and user-friendly bus and rail services. The Rackheath scheme includes plans for a new railway station, offering residents a regular service to and from Norwich city centre - and beyond. There will also be significant provision for cycle paths and walkways.

Government guidelines indicate that at least 30 per cent of the new Eco-Communities should be affordable homes.The proposed Rackheath development will feature around 5000 new and existing properties.

Residents will benefit from excellent local services and amenities with high quality healthcare, shopping and education at the heart of the community, along with excellent recreation facilities and plentiful green open spaces.

The Eco-Community will favour the use of locally-sourced goods and services; they will be desirable places to live, promoting a tangible sense of civic pride, responsibilty and, as the name suggests, community.