A planned modular housing development has received the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) award in the South West’s Constructing Excellence Awards, while being shortlisted for further national accolades.

Built in partnership with innovative, modular house builder ZED PODS Ltd, the zero-carbon development is set to be installed on the St Andrew’s Estate in Cullompton. The scheme is set to be delivered on council-owned sites, which were previously occupied by garages and car parking, by the end of this financial year.

Along with the award-winning homes at St Andrew’s, a similar scheme is also being built in Shapland Place, Tiverton. Both developments are set to be carbon-neutral, making this one of the first social housing projects of this type within the district and continuing the Councils ambition towards being carbon zero by 2030.

The planned housing development in Cullompton took home the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) award at a ceremony on 8 September and was shortlisted in three categories, they were:

• Innovation Award
• Residential property of the year
• Net Zero Award

The awards were run by Constructing Excellence South West which forms part of the Constructing Excellence Regional Partnership (CERP) and exists to improve industry performance in order to produce a better built environment.

The zero-carbon social homes project has also received national recognition by being shortlisted in the Inside Housing Development Awards:

• Best partnership (up to 100 homes)
• Best affordable housing development (less than £5m)

The team will have to wait until the end of September to find out the result.

Cllr Stuart Penny, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property Services, said:

“Being able to transform our council-owned sites into affordable, low carbon homes that help towards our climate agenda is a huge boost for the area. The innovative plans which have now been approved will prove valuable for residents looking to live and work within two of our major towns.”

Tom Northway, Chairman of Zed Pods, said:

“A great recognition for this fantastic modular development. We had over 400 visitors to our demonstration home in Cullompton last year, by taking on board their comments and feedback we designed this award-winning scheme.

“This will be ZED PODS’ first project in the district and is a brilliant example of how working with the local community, council officers and consultants we can deliver much needed affordable homes.”

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An overview of the proposed developments:

The site in Cullompton looks to provide 3 one-bed and 3 two-bed homes, each with their own car parking spaces. A mural on the building has also been set out in the plans which will seek design ideas from the local community.

Find more information on the proposed development in St. Andrews Estate, Cullompton: www.zedpods.com/mid-devon-st-andrews-estate

An additional 8 Zed Pod homes and 37 parking spaces are planned for development in Tiverton only a few 100 metres from the River Exe and town centre. The proposals include a mixture of housing types, including 4 one-bed, 3 two-bed and 1 three-bed homes.

Find more information on the proposed development in Shapland Place, Tiverton: www.zedpods.com/mid-devon-shapland-place

Both sites will be completed with triple glazing and solar panels, have their own private communal green space as well as separate storage for residents’ bins and bicycles – with plans for new homes to be built on land currently occupied by garages and car parking.