The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
New home will rise above flood waters
Developer unveils plans for experimental house
A developer is planning to build a family home that can be raised on stilts to avoid flooding. The experimental project involves the construction of a three bedroomhomeinWeston Hills, near Spalding, that can be raised up to 1.5 metres above ground level by eight mechanical jacks.
The Larkfleet Group of Companies, of Bourne, has applied to SouthHollandDistrict Council for approval for the construction venture of the experimental house that could rise on jacks above flood water.
The firm says if tests are successful the house could provide a model that would enable housebuilding on thousands of sites across the UK which at present cannot be developed because of the risk of flooding.
Constructionofthehouse, could begin early in 2017.
Experiments with raising and lowering the house will run for up to five years.
The firm says that houses of this designwouldbejacked up well ahead of the arrival of flood waters, based on advance warnings.
The mechanical jacking system – powered by a central motor, gear boxanddrive shafts– couldliftthe65tonne house to the full 1.5 metre height above ground in less than five minutes.
The firm says that residents would not remain in occupation during floods.
Karl Hick, chief executive, said: “The elevating house effectively eliminates the risk of flood damage to homes so that more land across the country can be approved for future home building.”
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