Eco homes ‘will change hundreds of vets’ lives’
A£3M eco-housing estate for military veterans and the homeless will deliver “social re-engineering”, the project founder has pledged.
Hyndburn council planners have unanimously approved Building for Humanity’s proposed net zero carbon housing development off Charter Street, Accrington, as we reported last week.
Scott Moon, who founded Building for Humanity in 2016 with his wife Victoria, impressed councillors with his passion and vision for the “unique” scheme, which he said would be delivered in four stages and would operate under an innovative ‘Humanity Credit’ scheme.
Mr Moon told the planning committee: “If you do this, you will offer the potential to change many hundreds of individuals’ lives in the Hyndburn area, and the social value it will bring will leave a long-lasting legacy. We hope that Hyndburn Borough Council would then proudly say that we helped and supported them to deliver their award-winning maiden scheme on Charter Street in Accrington, the town where I was born.
“Our team is made up of a special group of individuals that are passionate not only about helping individuals in need, but making a difference to people’s lives.”
Mr Moon said they are a self-funded charitable organisation which generates the majority of its income providing heating and insulation solutions to domestic homes in fuel poverty.
The first phase of the 100% affordable, ecofriendly development will see a community hub constructed with the emphasis on health and well-being, allowing the public to call in to see how the homes will be built and which sustainable products will be used.
Later phases will see the construction of 36 apartments and 10 houses, with the final phase seeing the landscaping of private and community gardens, along with vegetable growing areas.
Homes for Humanity is one of their dedicated registered charities for homeless and low income individuals and any homeless ex-military personnel.
“We will donate any surplus profits to further the purpose of this charity, which creates a full wrap-round support mechanism that will operate the humanity credit programme – which is the first of its kind in the UK,” added Mr Moon.
“This lets individuals sign up and volunteer to earn credits that are turned into a monetary value so that they can be used against an array of things like say for a deposit on one of the houses, reduce their rent costs, replace a broken washing machine, children’s uniform, or even help with children’s school dinners.
“We will also help our other charity partners as well as us being a proud, signed member of the Armed Forces Covenant.
“This is about a social re-engineering project. It’s about showing people that you can be rewarded to work.
“Our aim is to get these individuals off the benefit system and reduce the welfare bill. We wanted to offer them more than just a coffee or a sandwich; we wanted to give them a home, to give them the opportunity to be trained, work in roles throughout the company, and even help build the homes which, eventually, they will go on to buy, rent or help maintain.”
The committee backed the application after hearing there had been no objections received.