By Lauren Crooks
A new energy efficient Council housing development in Bonhill is moving forward after planning permission was granted.
The 26-home site, in Pappert, will include six Passivhaus homes in a first for West Dunbartonshire, alongside a further 20 net zero homes built to the Silver Standard for Energy Efficiency.
Passivhaus homes use enhanced insulation, air-tightness and solar power so the homes are able to retain heat from activities like cooking, using computers or showering. These activities are then used to heat the home instead of a traditional central heating system.
The net zero homes will also ensure energy efficiency – helping to reduce tenants’ fuel bills.
Labour councillors Lawrence O’Neill, Convener of Planning, and Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, Vice Convener of Planning and Convener of Housing and Communities.
At a meeting of the Planning Committee this week, members approved planning permission at the site.
The development will be made up of three and four bedroom semi-detached and terraced homes, as well as terraced cottage flats.
Three of the properties will be wheelchair accessible with all remaining homes to include a downstairs bedroom to enable future adaptability if required.
Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Convener of Planning, said: “This trial of Passivhaus is important to ensure the Council can test its capacity to deliver homes on a wider basis in the future, and also aligns with the Council’s commitment to meeting the silver standard for energy efficiency throughout its new-build estate.
“I was pleased to see this development come before us for consideration today and impressed with the plans. Improving the well-being of our residents is one of our key aims, and by providing homes with reduced fuel expenses is one way we can achieve this.”
Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, Vice Convener of Planning and Convener of Housing and Communities, said: “I am supportive of any proposal which will benefit our tenants, and both the Passivhaus homes as well as the net zero homes will do just that.
“Seeing the plans for this development, and the thought and care that has gone into making it work so well, is pleasing and I look forward to seeing work on the site progress.”