Four Years, 111 New Homes

DoI Minister Chris Thomas has said 352 social housing units are proposed across the island over the next four years.

Mr Thomas was responding to a question from Douglas South MHK Claire Christian.

While 352 houses are proposed, the majority of these units are actually redevelopment of existing housing estates, leaving a net gain of 111 units.

Mr Thomas said: ‘Construction of 91 units is currently underway in the south of the island. There are 204 units proposed in the east with 57 units planned for the north.’

Mrs Christian had also asked Mr Thomas how many of the homes will be energy efficient with solar power and source heat pumps.

He said: ‘The new housing units are designed to minimise energy use, reduce carbon emissions and reduce lifecycle costs, by employing the ‘fabric first’ methodology. This method maximises the performance of building components and materials that make up the fabric of the building and includes; increasing air tightness and levels of insulation, optimising solar gain, natural ventilation and thermal mass. This approach can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional forms of construction and is considered the most sustainable method of reducing emissions.

‘In addition to the fabric first approach, renewable energy systems are being employed to provide an economic method of decarbonising home heating and energy supply. The majority of schemes planned for the next four years are currently in the design development phase. Proposals include all electric energy systems facilitated by the installation of air source heat pumps and, photovoltaic cells for on-site power generation.’