BUILDING work has started on a £1.4million eco-home development in Wimblington helping to provide affordable housing in Fenland. The Design Partnership of Chatteris came up with the innovative plans for the Flagship Housing Group. The 15 homes are now bei

BUILDING work has started on a £1.4million eco-home development in Wimblington helping to provide affordable housing in Fenland.

The Design Partnership of Chatteris came up with the innovative plans for the Flagship Housing Group. The 15 homes are now being built in Hassock Way.

Bourne-based F E Peacock is building the two to four-bedroom houses and bungalows. Work is due to be completed by June next year and the homes will be available for affordable rents and shared ownership.

Project leader Ian Lawton, commercial director of F E Peacock, said: "This development will meet the need for affordable housing in this area of the Fens. The homes are economically very good and are designed to ensure residents live in a safe and friendly environment.

"We have worked very closely with Flagship Housing Group, Fenland District Council and the Housing Corporation to provide a first-class housing development that meets the needs of people living in Wimblington."

Some of the development will allow first-time buyers to get a foot on the property ladder by buying part of their homes and renting the rest on a shared ownership basis. Eleven of the properties will be available at affordable rents.

The timber, being used for the frames of the homes, is economical and efficient and has been sourced from sustainable forests.

In addition, each home will have Secured by Design accreditation, a police initiative reducing the opportunity for crime and the fear of crime to create a safer, more secure environment.