FOLLOWING a public consultation meeting, Sustainable Crediton was invited to meet the managing director and others from Devonshire Homes, which is building homes on the site known as Tarka View, (formerly Wellparks), opposite the Tesco store in Crediton.

The meeting was attended by Anne Tucker, Charles Mossman and Rob Rickey on behalf of Sustainable Crediton.

The Sustainable Crediton members discussed with the developers, insulation of houses, and energy efficiency, particularly regarding photo voltaic (PV) panels on homes.

It was noted that at the moment only about 40 out of the 185 houses will have PV installed to bring them up to the latest energy efficiency standards.

The developers clearly will not add anything extra not required for building regulations, regardless of the longer-term benefits or reduced energy costs to the new owners.

However, they did show a willingness to work with local PV companies and Sustainable Crediton members agreed to provide details of these.

Interestingly the cost of installing PV in construction is actually around £400 more than if added on after the roof is built apparently!

The developers did also agree that they would be happy for Sustainable Crediton to supply local information to add to their  “Welcome Pack” which they put together for new home owners.

In this way Sustainable Crediton could inform people new to the area of local public transport, cycle routes, local services etc. and also promote PV and other sustainable practices.  

There will be a public consultation by Mid Devon District Council once planning permission is applied for by Devonshire Homes.