Baroness Taylor hails green housing project

A pioneering housing development in County Durham has received high praise from Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, the House of Lords’ housing minister, for its innovative use of mine water heating.

During a visit to Seaham Garden Village, the minister explored Karbon Homes’ use of Durham County Council's ultra-low carbon district heat network, which will power 750 affordable homes. 

The project is the first large-scale mine water heating system in the UK.

Accompanied by principal contactor Esh Group and representatives from the Mining Remediation Authority, Baroness Taylor, who is the Lords’ spokesperson for both housing delivery and net-zero and energy efficiency, viewed the first of the homes which will be connected to the system.

Baroness Taylor said: “It’s fantastic to see the level of innovation here at Seaham, using natural resources in the area to create more energy efficient homes. 

“Paired with the level of cooperation between multiple public and private organisations makes this an exciting project to visit.” 

Part-funded by Homes England, the scheme is part of Karbon’s £165 million partnership to deliver 2200 affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire, with the first residents moving in this autumn.

Paul Fiddaman, chief executive at Karbon Homes, added: “We were delighted to have Baroness Taylor visit Seaham Garden Village and see what can be achieved when parties work together to deliver innovative projects which bring significant environmental benefits.  

“Making use of the currently untapped heat from the disused mines under our feet to keep houses warm, is something we’re really proud to be involved with, and paired with boasting a range of energy efficiency technologies, like solar PV panels, the new homes we’re delivering at Seaham Garden Village will be well on the way to net-zero.” 

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →