The timber frames of five new eco-friendly homes are now standing on the site of the former Kings Arms public house in Mile Cross.
Norwich City Council bought the site in 2020 as a plot to build social housing, using a compulsory purchase order – after it was left to stand derelict for years by its previous owner.
Councillor Gail Harris, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for social housing, visited the site this week to see the progress that had been made since work started six months ago.
She said: “It’s fantastic to see this formerly run-down site, which was attracting fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour, being developed into much-needed homes for Norwich people.
“Buying this site through a compulsory purchase order not only clears up a problematic eyesore in this community but is a proactive move to deliver on the council’s priority of building and maintaining good quality social housing to meet demand.”
A two-bedroom bungalow, three four-bedroom and one five-bedroom house are being built on the site. The timber frames have gone up and the next step is for the roofs to be put in place. Once that has happened, the internal fitting of the houses will start.
The homes are designed to save tenants money on heating and hot water. They have extra insulation and low carbon features, including air source heat pumps and solar panels.
They are expected to be finished in the autumn, welcoming new tenants from the council’s social housing list.
The project is being managed for the council by Broadland Housing Association and the homes are being built by Smith of Honingham.
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