Low and Zero Carbon homes developer ZEDHomes has been awarded its first ‘new build’ (1) planning permission in its home borough of Harrow, Middlesex. The new low carbon emission development, ‘HarrowZED’, is to be located in South Harrow and will feature twelve, modern, innovative, two-bedroom flats over four floors.  Once built, they will be highly desirable living spaces as well as environmentally sustainable and economical to run in terms of heating and lighting and having an extra ‘feel good’ factor for their new owners.

For the company, which has been working hard to push the ‘green homes’ agenda for five years, and which has invested millions in making this dream a reality, the planning permission is a major turning point.

“For any smaller developer, obtaining planning permission can be a great hurdle.  When you add the complexities for the planners to determine a planning application with unfamiliar technologies and terminologies, against a background of time targets and general conservatism, it has been a long haul for us,” said Ameeta Sharma, Marketing Manager.  ”The general tide of public and government opinion is now turning towards a more sustainable development model.  Having spent five years trying to make our vision a reality, we salute Harrow council for seeing the promise of this development.”

The ZEDHomes development is situated off Stanley Road, in South Harrow and access will be predominantly from the new promenade adjacent to the railway arches. To ensure the site does not disrupt the area’s existing feel the new development is being set at an oblique angle so as not to overlook surrounding houses.  Building is likely to begin in autumn 2007, once full site surveys have been undertaken and technologies have been agreed.

A recent survey by Nationwide Building Society indicated that given the pick of two properties of similar value, 82% of homebuyers would opt for a home with green features, over say, period characteristics.

The site will make optimal use of renewable energy sources and will be contributing to the GLA’s target of a Zero (fossil) Energy Development (ZED) in each London borough by 2010.  It will feature ambulant staircases between all floors as well as disabled parking. In addition to parking, secure cycle storage will be provided to encourage more sustainable living. And the homes will also incorporate many of the principles of Lifetime Homes - design features which encourage adaptability of use and longevity of dwelling. 

Notes to Editors

Artist’s impression images available

About ZEDHomes For the past five years, ZEDHomes has been combining innovative design with existing technology to build homes and workplaces that require a fraction of the energy required to run a traditionally built development of the same size.  ZEDHomes’ aims to ensure that the energy required for its developments is met by on-site energy sources that will make minimal demands on the earth’s precious natural resources. 

For further information contact:

ZEDHomes: Ameeta Sharma T: 0845 1228656 E: ameeta.sharma@zedhomes.com

Zed PR: Claire Thompson T: 0118 969 8966 E: cthompson@zedpr.co.uk