CASTLE Point has unveiled its first homes as part of its ambition to go net zero.

The nine properties, all on Canvey, are described as “the first of a new wave of energy-efficient affordable homes” and as being “part of ambitious plans to drive netzero sustainability in Castle Point”.

Construction is set to begin later this year. The new homes are the first in the area to include air source heat pumps and electric vehicle (EV) charging points for a new residential development within the borough.

Heat pumps are low-carbon alternatives to traditional gas or oil boilers and result in lower energy costs for homeowners. They are installed outside the home and take heat from surrounding ground or air, and then increase the temperature, to provide central heating and hot water.

Castle Point Borough Council has appointed Ingleton Wood, a property and construction consultancy based in Colchester and Billericay, to help develop the scheme as part of its residential housing programme.

David Thompson, architect and director at Ingleton Wood, said: “We’re excited to be supporting Castle Point Borough Council’s forward-thinking sustainability goals.

“Heat pumps are incredibly important, especially given the energy crisis and increasing CO2 levels. They’re a renewable heat source and lower your bills – but remain a mystery to most people.

“That’s why we’re playing our part to help drive a rapid shift away from fossil fuelbased heating systems and make heat pumps the solution of choice for domestic heating.

“Castle Point Borough Council is being very proactive in embracing this new heat pump technology before they become the norm. The sustainable housing developments are also being designed help to ease the acute housing shortage facing the borough.”

The first three proposals - in Cedar Road, Linden Way and Link Road - have been approved – providing the first nine houses. Construction at Cedar Road is due to start in April 2022 and complete by the end of 2022.

The Linden Way and Central Avenue developments are set to start later in 2022