A new 51 affordable Home development in Rainham, Essex was the focus of a visit from Eric Pickles, the Communities Secretary  last week.  The development financed by Circle Housing demonstrates that highly energy efficient homes can be built speedily and to very high standards. Offsite construction of pre-packaged  panels are craned in and fitted in-situ. Site based construction is minimal and  ready for trades and services within a week!   Primary research on the scheme suggests that it will be built one third faster and six percent cheaper than traditional builds. 

Mr Pickles commented “I am really impressed and quite taken with this development.”

JB comments -Mr Pickles’ enthusiasm for the scheme belies the contradictions that have emanated  from his department over the last few weeks. These are progressively weakening local authority attempts to drive the house building industry to make the step changes needed to start building the highly efficient, low energy homes we require in future. As has been the case since the Climate Change agenda became more prevalent, the construction industry has proved  that it will not change without regulation…. with a very few exceptions.