Families are settling into eco-friendly new homes now standing on the site of the former Kings Arms public house in Mile Cross.
Norwich City Council bought the site to build social housing in 2020, using a compulsory purchase order – after it was left to stand derelict for years by its previous owner.
A two-bedroom bungalow, five-bedroom house and three four-bedroom houses have been built on the land and have been let through the council’s housing register and providing the types of homes most needed by applicants. Each of the families has been able to move away from homes that were no longer suitable for them and are can now be made available to new tenants.
The homes are designed to save tenants money on heating and hot water. They have extra insulation and low carbon features, including air source heat pumps, triple glazing and solar panels. Each property also has an electric vehicle charging point. They have been thoughtfully designed to complement the established residential area.
To make access to the development possible, the city council has also acquired the house next door to the site, which was a former council home sold under the government’s Right to Buy scheme and is now part of the city’s social housing again.
Councillor Gail Harris, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for social housing, visited the site this week to welcome the five new households.
She said: “Turning this deserted plot into much-needed homes is a fantastic outcome for the city and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to social housing.
“Purchasing the King Arms site to benefit the community is an example of how we are being creative to address the demand for affordable housing while staying true to our environmental ambitions.
“It has been wonderful to meet some of the new residents already getting settled just in time for Christmas, and I hope they'll all be very happy."
Michael Newey, Chief Executive of Broadland Housing said: "Our partnership with Norwich City Council has, over the years, been fruitful with many new homes for the people of Norwich. As the shortage of affordable housing continues, with many families in our city struggling to find good, well maintained properties, these new homes are needed now more than ever".
Mark, a resident who has moved into the development’s bungalow said: “It’s a lovely home, it couldn’t be better. We have downsized from a three-bedroom house in Norwich and no longer need to worry about the stairs.”
Sam, another new resident who has moved from within Mile Cross, said: “We are really pleased to have moved in before Christmas and have already met lots of neighbours.
“This new home gives our family more space and staying in the area has meant we haven’t had to change anything else.”
The project has been managed for the council by Broadland Housing Association and the homes were built by Smith of Honingham.
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