Story by TOM JACKSON A 22-YEAR-OLD woman became the first person to move into an innovative eco-friendly housing estate in March, when she received her keys from eastern England s MEP Richard Howitt. The pilot project of 56 homes in Norwood Road has been

Story by TOM JACKSON

A 22-YEAR-OLD woman became the first person to move into an innovative eco-friendly housing estate in March, when she received her keys from eastern England's MEP Richard Howitt.

The pilot project of 56 homes in Norwood Road has been monitored by building experts across the country to see how they can reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

The new estate features a Fusion StIF system in which the frames are made of steel panels and the properties use up to 50 per cent less energy than conventional homes.

The new homes are being built by Smartlife through a non-for-profit partnership between Cambridgeshire County Council and the Building Research Establishment.

Mr Howitt presented Miss Hill with her keys at an official opening on Wednesday, attended by representatives the county council and the BRE, and Councillor Kit Owen, Fenland District Council's portfolio holder for housing.

Mr Howitt said: "These new homes help to meet the need for affordable housing in the Fenland area and are in tune with the area's environmental needs.

"Emma's new house will be setting the standard for new-build homes across the country.

"The new building methods put into practise here in March will be shared across the entire UK construction industry, so home builders can learn from March to do their bit for the environment."

Single mother Miss Hill, who moves into a two-bedroom house with her 14-month-old son Joshua, has been on Fenland District Council's waiting list for 18 months. She was chosen by the council to move into the first of the new homes and will be renting from the Homegroup housing association.

She said: "I was quite excited when I found out I had one of the first homes and it is a really warm, spacious house.