ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES GRANTED PLANNING APPROVAL IN WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

A new 26-home development in Pappert, Bonhill, has been granted approval by West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning committee.

Designed by MAST Architects, the development will be made up of three and four-bedroom semi-detached and terraced homes, as well as terraced cottage flats and, as first for the local authority, six homes will be constructed to a Passivhaus-accredited standard of build.

Passivhaus buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort using very little energy for heating and cooling with an enhanced focus placed on the building fabric to drastically improve airtightness and reduce heat loss.

The remaining 20 dwellings will be constructed to an operational net zero carbon standard of build, the second development of its kind to be delivered by CCG for the Council after having commenced construction on the 88-home Clydebank East earlier this year.

Three of the properties will be wheelchair accessible with all remaining homes to include a downstairs bedroom to enable future adaptability if required.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Convener of Planning, said:

“This trial of Passivhaus is important to ensure the Council can test its capacity to deliver homes on a wider basis in the future, and also aligns with the Council’s commitment to meeting the silver standard for energy efficiency throughout its new-build estate. I was pleased to see this development come before us for consideration today and impressed with the plans. Improving the well-being of our residents is one of our key aims, and by providing homes with reduced fuel expenses is one way we can achieve this.”

Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, Vice Convener of Planning and Convener of Housing and Communities, said:

“I am supportive of any proposal which will benefit our tenants, and both the Passivhaus homes as well as the net zero homes will do just that. Seeing the plans for this development, and the thought and care that has gone into making it work so well, is pleasing and I look forward to seeing work on the site progress.”