A KENT council has agreed to groundbreaking plans for the South East’s first "zero-carbon" affordable housing scheme.

Working in partnership with Hyde Housing Association, Ashford Borough Council has earmarked land off Beecholme Drive, Kennington, for 19 eco-homes.

The 13 houses and six flats would include 17-affordable units for rent or shared ownership

Carbon dioxide emissions in the build process and day-to-day operation of the homes will be balanced through energy-harnessing construction practices and design features.

They include:

High levels of insulation;
Biomass central heating;
Solar–powered water heating and energy generation;
Domestic wastewater recycling and rainwater harvesting;
Reduced water usage appliances and fittings;
Sustainable drainage system;
Specialist energy management systems;
Construction materials sourced within 50 miles of the site.

The executive agreed to hand over almost half a hectare of land for Hyde Housing Association to develop the scheme.

The £3million development is subject to full council agreement, planning approval and a grant from the Housing Corporation.

Hyde is investing £2.1million of its own money into the project and has guaranteed that the scheme will be zero-carbon and achieve the Government’s new Code for Sustainable Homes Level Four standard although they will be aspiring to achieve Level Six.

There are currently no other Level Four affordable housing schemes anywhere in the South East, while a Level Six scheme would be unique in the UK.

Currently the site is a grassed area regularly used as a dumping ground for rubbish and abandoned vehicles.