Housing updates – Spring 2025
Danzey Green Road
In November, Energy Performance Certifications (EPCs) were carried out by an external partner agency, Mear Properties, at SCHA’s properties at 41-45 Danzey Green Road. These are currently managed by Caretech Ltd as a CQC Registered Care Home.
Following the results, we discussed sourcing potential funding for an overhaul of the properties to bring them up to a minimum EPC rating C.
The properties were built on an estate in Castle Bromwich that is not sourced by mains gas, meaning that all current heating and hot water is sourced from electrical appliances.
Mark Irving from Mear Properties enlisted an approved contractor of ECO 4 retrofit works, Broadoak Group, to discuss the possible support available and the work that could be carried out to significantly improve the energy performance rating of these properties.
They suggested:
- Cavity wall insulation
- Loft insulation top up
- Air source heat pump – Vaillant aerortherm plus innovation model
- Solar PV – with Tigo monitoring
These works would improve energy performance from its current E rating to a become A rated.
SCHA’s Supported Housing and Maintenance Manager, Jason Bostock, liaised with Chris Smart from the Broadoak Group about the works. The total cost was estimated to be around £100,000 which would be funded from OFGEM under an ECO 4 Grant.
SCHA was required to fund a 12-year warranty and service plan with Vaillant for the air source heat pump system at a cost of £6,000.
In addition to this, SCHA were required to upgrade the existing low surface temperature radiator covers (LSTs) at a cost of £4,500.
The Senior Management Team and the Board of Trustees for SCHA authorised Broadoak Group to proceed. Work began on Monday 03 March 2025 and should be completed mid-April.
Heat networks legislation
At their March 2025 meeting, the SCHA Board discussed the new heat networks legislation and how it will impact residents by ensuring more efficient and sustainable heating solutions.
The legislation aims to improve energy management and reduce carbon footprints, contributing to a greener community and more predictable heating expenses.
This is likely to have a significant impact on all housing associations in terms of infrastructure upgrade and staff training.
SCHA is awaiting the outcome of the technical consultation, which will conclude in May and clarify the next steps we need to take.
Brighton and Oakfield House remedy works
Extensive remedial works have been undertaken to remedy damp and mould at our properties on Warwick Road. The total cost was just over £26,000 and the work took five weeks to complete. One resident was temporarily moved to alternative accommodation during this time.
Cranmore Court Refurbishment
Residents, family members, visitors, and professionals have all expressed their appreciation regarding the improvements made to the communal areas at Cranmore Court. The investment has made a positive difference to the residents and has been enthusiastically received by all stakeholders, highlighting the success of the project.
