NEW eco-friendly affordable homes made of energy-efficient materials which boast innovative heating and cooling technology have been unveiled to a trumpet fanfare.

Construction is now complete on Southend City Council’s first ever zero-carbon affordable homes.

The two, two-bedroom homes are built on a disused garage site in Saxon Gardens, Shoebury.

They will soon be joined by two four-bedroom homes which are expected to be completed by the end of March.

The homes will be available to potential tenants as part of the council’s lettings system.

All four homes, built in conjunction with Essex-based contractor Marfleet and Blythe, form part of a wider project to review the council’s underused land across the city.

Modern methods of construction are also being used which includes offsite construction of the timber frames to help reduce carbon emissions.

The new two-bedroom homes are classed as zero carbon.

This is because they feature energy efficient materials such as timber and will also include innovative heating and cooling technologies such as solar panels, along with the modern methods of construction,

Labour councillor Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, with a responsibility for economic growth and housing, said: “It’s fantastic to see construction completed on the council’s first ever zero-carbon affordable homes.

“This is the latest in a number of schemes the council is doing to increase the quality and variety of affordable homes in our city.”

Mr Gilbert underlined the council’s ambitious agenda to create new homes across the city.

He said: “The Saxon Gardens homes will be allocated via the council’s choice-based lettings system in accordance with the council’s allocation policy.

“This project, alongside the council’s acquisitions programme, means the council is on track to deliver 41 extra homes this year.”

Carole Mulroney, Lib Dem cabinet member for environment, culture, tourism and planning, added: “It’s a key priority for the council to meet our commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 and the offsite construction methods used on this building project limits its impact on the environment and helps us work towards meeting that target.”

She added: “The homes are also designed to be fully accessible and adaptable to ensure they are inclusive for people of varying needs to enable independent living.”