A NEW generation of eco-homes has been unveiled in Radcliffe - under a £675,000 project part-funded by Homes England.

Bosses at the government agency handed over £195,000 towards the initiative for a former builder's yard in Siddall Street.

Salford-based housing provider Irwell Valley Homes says the scheme will meet a demand for afforable housing in the borough.

Homes there have been designed to be highly energy efficiient, and were built using prefabricated wooden panels, said to be better insulated compared to traditional new build homes.

The structures are intended to be extremely air-tight, so a mechanical ventilation heating recovery system has been installed in each home which utilises the warm air from inside, to heat cold air coming in.

Solar panels have also been fitted to the roof to produce renewable energy for residents and reduce their carbon footprint further and cut heating bills by an anticipated two-thirds or more.

Sasha Deepwell, Irwell Valley chief executive, said “Last year we launched our new environmental strategy, which sets out how we will become a zero-carbon organisation by 2038, 12 years ahead of the government targets.

"Completing these new eco homes is a step forward in helping us to realise our carbon zero aspirations and support our customers with more affordable housing.

"As well as building more low carbon homes, we’re investing in our existing homes, future proofing them in-line with the future home standards, accessing funding to install renewable and carbon reducing technology and supporting customers to reduce their energy consumption.”