Lib Dems deliver new social homes for St Albans families

A new development of 14 family size homes for social rent in St Albans has been completed, with the tenants due to move in before Christmas.

Crucially, the properties meet the greatest need as they comprise 11 three-bedroom homes, two four-bedroom homes and a two-bedroom, wheelchair-adapted bungalow with height-adjustable kitchen worktops amongst the accessible-living features.

The homes are on the site of what was formerly poor-quality temporary accommodation and the former King Offa pub in the Sopwell ward.

In keeping with the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to sustainable living and reducing emissions that are damaging to the environment and health, the properties were fitted with energy efficient features. These include extensive insulation and air source heat pumps as an alternative to gas.

The gardens have been planted with trees to improve the biodiversity of the whole area. Swift and bat boxes, alongside hedgehog highways will further help nature.

Councillor Simon Johns, Liberal Democrat Lead for Housing said:

“One of the core priorities of this Lib Dem led Council is to address the acute housing crisis in this area.

“There is a pressing need to provide more social housing that can be a home for families currently living in overcrowded, unsuitable and often very expensive accommodation. This project’s completion is the bricks-and-mortar proof that, unlike other parties, we deliver on our pledges.

“It is wonderful news that the new tenants will be moving in before Christmas and can look forward to an extra special festive season as a result.”

Councillor Jacqui Taylor, Liberal Democrat lead on Sustainability, Climate and Housing Delivery, added: 

“It has been very exciting to see these much-needed new family homes now complete. They have been built to a very high standard.

“The site has been completely transformed – it is quite amazing to see how different it is, with the ageing portacabin units replaced with permanent council homes that are highly sustainable and built to last.

“It has always been important to us to deliver new homes that are good quality and sustainable so tenants benefit from lower energy bills.

“These new homes are equipped with eco-friendly features, such as the air source heat pumps, which ensure emissions are kept low. Crucially this will also help the new tenants keep down their energy bills.”