Oaklee officially open first Code 4 energy efficient scheme in Northern Ireland (Monday 23rd May, 2011)

Oaklee Homes Group today officially opened its groundbreaking development of social and affordable homes, in Breda Park, Newtownbreda, South Belfast. Breda Court and Mews is the first scheme of its kind in Northern Ireland to achieve Code 4 rating for Sustainable Homes. Anne Henderson Vice Chair of Northern Ireland Housing Executive officiated the opening of the environmentally friendly housing scheme.

Breda Court and Mews is made up of 22 apartments and 12 family houses, which will provide housing for 110 people in this very desirable area. Oaklee Homes Group purchased the site in August 2006 and project approval was received in March 2009. The construction work was undertaken by Geda Construction and commenced in April 2009. The scheme was completed in November 2010, achieving Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4; the first social housing scheme to achieve this rating in Northern Ireland.

The total development cost for Breda Court and Mews was £4,602,628 and funding was provided through the Housing Association Grant from the Department of Social Development (DSD).

Breda Court and Mews provides exemplary performance in terms of energy and water efficiency. Energy efficient features within the dwellings include photovoltaic roof panels which convert sunlight into electricity, rainwater harvesting which collects and stores rainwater for reuse, and mechanical ventilation heat recovery units that provide fresh air within the home whilst also saving energy by reducing the overall heating requirement. The energy efficient results will reduce running costs, reduce carbon footprints and improve overall comfort and satisfaction for the tenants.

Oaklee Homes Group Chairperson Sylvia Doran provided a welcome speech for the new tenants of Breda Court and Mews:

"This opening is particularly significant as it represents one of the first social housing schemes built to the Code 4 for Sustainable Homes in Northern Ireland. Indeed the original scheme was designed to Code Level 3 but Oaklee wanted to explore if the higher standard could be achieved for the first time in Northern Ireland, and this has been successfully achieved. Finally, I hope that the residents will enjoy long life and happiness in their new homes."