Work is set to begin on a new 15-home development in Moreton.

A scheme to create low-carbon homes for social rent is now underway thanks to a partnership between Cotswold District Council, Cottsway Housing Association and Helix Partnership Homes.

Two vacant properties have been demolished to make way for the collection of two and three-bedroom homes, with the site on Davies Road now cleared and ready for construction work to begin next month.

Leader of the council, councillor Joe Harris, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to enhance this scheme in partnership with Homes England and Cottsway. The Davies Road site will be the first green home scheme of its kind in the Cotswolds.

“In the face of a growing affordability crisis, we are committed to increasing the number of genuinely affordable homes across the district for local people. Working alongside providers such as Cottsway we can offer people affordable homes, that are not only high quality but are also more sustainable than standard housing and ultimately better for the environment.

“The Davies Road site was allocated for development in the Council’s Local Plan, and our officers worked hard to ensure the development moved from a standard, mixed market development to an ‘all affordable’ scheme, with an extra grant from Homes England to take the sustainability standards a step further.”

The development was made possibly by £1.275 million in grant funding from Homes England and £580,500 developer funding secured in Section 106 contributions from Cotswold District Council, as well as a loan arrangement as part of a finance agreement between the council and Cottsway.

Helix Group has also provided construction finance to ensure the homes can be completed by summer 2024.

Each property will include sustainable features such as air-source heating, solar roof panels, electric vehicle charging points and enhanced insulation.

Richard Reynolds, Cottsway’s chief executive, said: “Reducing our environmental impact is important to us and this project delivers much-needed affordable homes with sustainable low-carbon features. We’re also delighted that the homes will all be available for social rent, currently at around 55-60 per cent of local market rents.

“We’re very pleased to be working with Cotswold District Council and Helix Partnership Homes to deliver this innovative project and we would like to thank Homes England for the funding support provided to help make this possible.”

The homes for social rent will be advertised on the Homeseeker Plus website nearer the time of completion.