Small sites scheme: Rotherham Borough Council

What went in

• Priority area addressed: Addressing the need for smaller affordable homes.

What came out

• The delivery of 10 new small affordable homes with energy efficiency measures and accessible units. 

The East Herringthorpe Small Sites scheme resulted in the delivery of 10 new small affordable homes with innovative energy efficient measures in place. This included the first delivery of one-bed houses to help address the needs of residents.  

The East Herringthorpe Small Sites scheme was one of the many schemes set out within the Housing Delivery Programme, with construction starting June 2023. In March 2024 Rotherham Borough Council accepted four two-bed houses, the remaining six homes completing a month later.

The scheme originally comprised five possible sites along with an estimate of 13 homes, however one of the sites ultimately proved unfeasible to develop whilst other design considerations reduced the number of homes to 10.

The homes are spacious and meet a variety of housing needs, through delivery of:

• Three one-bed houses
   
• Four two-bed houses
   
• Two two-bed bungalows
   
• One four-bed wheelchair user dwelling.

The scheme represents a series of innovations for the council:

• The first one-bed houses were included to help address the significant need for smaller homes, whilst providing a different offer to flats.
   
• The first four-bed ‘dormer’ style wheelchair user dwelling.
   
• Designed to support families with one or more individuals with acute health needs, whilst having a smaller ‘footprint’ than a traditional four-bed bungalow.
   
• The first ‘no gas’ development utilising Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHP).
   
• Utilisation of a ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ (MMC) timber frame construction to expedite delivery.
   
• The first use of the Efficiency North New Build procurement framework.

Additional energy efficiency measures include: 

• Under-floor heating – improves the efficiency of the ASHP system and internal space standards on the ground floor. 
   
• Solar photo-voltaic panels (PV) – reduces carbon emissions by allowing the homes to self-generate energy and can thereby help reduce energy bills for occupiers. 
   
• Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) – improves the efficiency of the ASHP system by allowing air to be recirculated within the dwelling. MVHR can also improve internal air quality, reduce condensation, and help to manage over-heating.
   
• Additional airtightness works – reduce heat loss.

The council continue to monitor the impact of the new technologies through the installation of a smart thermostat. This pilot will help the council to fully understand the benefits for the occupants and whether it helps to reduce fuel poverty to allow replication through smart thermostat installation.

The primary source of subsidy for this scheme came from the council’s Right to Buy ‘one-for-one’ receipts, which contributed c. 40 per cent of the total scheme cost. Additional subsidy has been secured in the form of c. £16,000 per unit grant funding from the Brownfield Housing Fund which is administered by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. 

The project delivered impressive economic and social value. The contractor exceeded their local spend target by 45 per cent, investing £145,000 in local businesses. They also provided apprenticeships, giving local young people valuable opportunities, and worked with schools to run mock interviews for students interested in careers in green technology and construction.

The scheme provided the opportunity to learn lessons that can be applied to future schemes. It was noted that MMC and timber frame construction pose specific challenges, and that programme amendments are required to maximise the efficiency of the build programme.

Delivered on time and under budget, the East Herringthorpe scheme is a beacon of best practice for sustainable and inclusive housing. It reflects Rotherham’s commitment to building stronger, greener communities and sets a new standard for local authority housing across the UK.

Callie Lamb, Housing Development Officer

[email protected]