the UK ’ s first eco-town
Community Street
milestones for Stewart Milne Timber Systems in the coming weeks and months ?
SD : The project began at the end of October with construction scheduled to complete in spring 2015 . The build programme is approx . four-five homes per week .
CG : How do you see developments like these impacting on the wider housing market , its sustainability and the future of sustainable living ?
SD : We hope that projects like Bicester will challenge the perception of what eco homes can be and help to stimulate demand across the UK . One day , I think zero carbon towns and sustainable housing development will be commonplace . I would like to see the housing market in general develop to a point where a fabric first approach is the norm , and not the exception .
One way of incentivising people to consider buying eco-homes would be for the Government to introduce added incentives such as reduced levels of stamp duty and Council Tax , particularly as further pressure to deliver change is likely in the coming years .
In my opinion , low-carbon homes and other buildings are going to take on growing importance in the future , and timber frames ’ inherent energy efficiency and structural integrity can play a key role in helping to achieve those objectives .
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