Newark and Sherwood district councillors approve plans for fossil fuel-free home with no central heating
A fossil fuel-free home with no central heating would be able to maintain a temperature of 23 degrees almost all-year round.
District council officers said the environmental home would set an example for Newark and Sherwood and have the potential to bring forward more eco-friendly residential proposals.
The council’s planning committee unanimously approved the plans for the one single-storey home and detached carport off Wellow Road, Eakring.
Planning officer Lisa Hughes said while it was a departure from the local plan, exceptions could be made for outstanding or innovative designs that promote high levels of sustainability or help raise the standard of design more generally in an area.
“When the sun hits the building, it gets warmed up,” she said. “So, it manages to get to a natural temperature which is then sustained for 90% of the year — around 23 degrees without central heating.
“There are no radiators proposed within the property but there will be under-floor heating. They say the under-floor heating is only needed for two, maybe three weeks a year in the winter when it is really icy-cold.
“The test for this sort of dwelling is that it hasn’t happened elsewhere before, it is a very high threshold.”
The building would have no foundations as such, said Mrs Hughes, but sit on a solid block of cement-free concrete — with no cavity walls to the physical, external structure and the insulation on the outside of the dwelling. The roof would be a green roof (Sedum) with chains rather than drainpipes to enable rainwater to naturally seep down.
Mrs Hughes said council policy would only be met if there was a Tesla battery installed.
“The solar panels on the garage (carport) roof will enable the dwelling to be truly off grid,” she said. “Many claim to be, but still have a little gas cannister to do your heating. Because of the solar panels and battery, it means that that won’t be necessary.
“They are looking to test whether a bore hole can be provided which will also enable them to be water-free.”
Planning committee chairman Roger Blaney said the application was innovative and would bring other features to the district.
Member Yvonne Woodhead questioned whether the Robin Hood Way, a public right of way that runs to the north, would be protected. She was assured use would be unhindered.
Rhona Holloway: “I really like this and the fact it’s got a green roof. I noticed it’s a very air-tight building but wondered if the amount of air entering the building was adequate.”
Mrs Hughes said she was sure overheating would not arise.
“This is the sort of thing we need,” said Tim Wildgust. “I think we need to learn from design and until something like this is put in place, we don’t know how good they are going to be — but in my view, it’s a very positive thing.”
Members unanimously voted to approve.
