Forestry Commission - News - homes for our future

Two new homes in the New Forest that combine groundbreaking eco-technology with a support for an ancient way of life will open this month.

Material for the semi-detached timber-framed cottages was cut from within view of the building site, next to Anderwood inclosure. The use of natural materials, high-grade insulation, geo-thermal heating, solar panels and grey-water recycling systems put them at the forefront of ecologically sound design. They could even produce surplus energy that can be channelled back into the national electricity system.

They will provide rented accommodation for two commoners – Peter Butler and Peter Rix - as part of the Forestry Commission’s support for the New Forest’s ancient way of life. With three bedrooms each, haybarns and stabling, they will be ideal for their intended tenants.

And the generous Hampshire foresters want to share their innovative solution to future rural housing needs with planners, architects and builders by providing free outline house designs for the timber-framed eco-friendly homes on the Forestry Commission website

They will even be giving people information on how to source locally grown timber and how to find experts who could shape it ready for construction.

The Forestry Commission is also working in partnership with architects Roderick James Architects LLP who are offering discounts of around 50 per cent to people wanting the plans worked up as a full Planning Application and to comply with Building Regulations. From May 17, all documents be available for people to download free of charge from www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest-ruralhomes
website.

An Open Day for the New Forest commoning community will be held on May 17 and on May 20 building, planning and architecture professionals are invited to see the new homes for themselves.

Project manager Tony Cousins, said: “Our prime aim was to create homes for two families following the forest’s ancient ‘commoning’ way of life so that we could help preserve the area’s cultural heritage. We also set out to create a template for affordable housing and environmental responsibility for use across the region. From our original design we have now created four more based on the same principles.”

Key to the sustainable nature of the two first cottages is their wooden construction. The timber came from trees grown within view of the building site helping to cut down on ‘timber miles’ by providing a domestic alternative for the imported material usually used by the building trade.

New Forest Deputy Surveyor, Mike Seddon, said: “The project has spin-offs for British industry. It will provide a growing market for home-grown timber that will translate into more rural jobs. Sawmills too will benefit.

“These homes are designed to be in keeping with and a positive addition to the countryside. Our original cottage design was worked up in partnership with the New Forest National Park Authority, so that it satisfied the area’s very strict planning standards.

“Those credentials would commend the design to any authority overseeing building consents in similarly sensitive areas. The plans – which are freely available on our website - will give would-be home builders a flying start in their bids to construct an environmentally sensitive a home. We hope all our designs, two of which are more contemporary, will appeal to planners considering applications to build in rural areas.”

Funding for the addition design work came from South East England Development Agency. Their interest is in the sustainable development of rural homes.

People wanting more information about the Forestry Commission’s timber-framed rural home designs should visit the website at www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest-ruralhomes
or ring 023 8028 3141.

NOTES TO EDITORS
For information please contact Jo Fowler, Forestry Commission England Press Officer on 01223 346034or Mike Seddon, Deputy Surveyor, on 023 8028 3141.