New contractor in place for stalled £2.65 million eco-homes scheme

The construction at Billingsley View, Bolton upon Dearne, was supposed to finished by April but was held up when the original contractor went into administration.

Barnsley Council said it had been working over the last few months to appoint a replacement contractor to finish the £2.65 million project.

A spokesperson said a new firm, William Birch & Sons, has now taken over and was working on-site last Monday, with work expected to be finished by October.

The 16 new homes, which are being part-funded by so-called Section 106 contributions from housing developers, will be let and managed by Berneslai Homes.

BMBC said the development would show how homes can be built to use less energy and be more sustainable for the environment.

The project is the pilot for the Barnsley Low Carbon Standard new build specification.

“The council’s project team has worked with Leeds Sustainability Institute, part of Leeds Beckett University, to design these highly energy-efficient properties,” said the spokesperson.

“Once complete, ongoing monitoring will measure the success of the design specification and keep track of the cost savings for tenants.

“Each house will get its heating and hot water from an air-source heat pump.

“Each will also generate electricity from solar panels with battery storage so that energy from the sun can be stored and used when needed, plus electric vehicle charging points.”

Cllr Robert Frost, BMBC’s cabinet Spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “We know there is a demand for affordable housing in this area.”