The Wrekin Housing Trust has chosen to use the innovative roof for one of its redevelopment sites in Telford.

The new site is providing 20 brand new homes, which have replaced the derelict flats that were previously on the land. The decision has been made to add the living grass to the sloping roof of the apartments at the site at Arleston Lane, Wellington, which has been developed by Lovell.

The special roof was supplied by Bauder and installed by their specialist sub contractor M J Green Roofing. There are huge benefits to the ‘green’ roof, such as lasting longer, saving energy and requiring minimal maintenance. The roofs have a life expectancy two to three times longer than conventional roofs and the insulation they provide lowers heating bills for tenants. They are also self-maintaining and only require minimal annual works.

The roof will also be attractive for other residents on the site and may provide habitat for wildlife and birds. The Trust believes it is one of the first in Shropshire to install a grass roof onto new housing.

The new properties are made up of 11 two-bed apartments, eight three-bed houses and one four-bed house. All have been built to meet Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 and also the Lifetime Homes standard.

The blocks of apartments at the site have also been fitted with solar panels. The energy generated from this could save tenants 20-25% per year on their bills and any unused energy can be fed back into the National Grid, generating revenue for the Trust, who are one of the first companies in Telford to take part in this energy saving scheme.

The homes have been made available for affordable rent through the Trust’s choice based lettings system, Choose Your Home.

Two of the three bedroom houses have been specifically adapted for two families with children with special requirements, such as lifts and wet rooms. All the new homes have allocated parking spaces and there is also disabled and extra parking available.

Jean Teichmann, Head of Development at The Wrekin Housing Trust said: “We are really excited about the new roof as this is the first that the Trust has had installed. It provides thermal mass, meaning the roof keeps the building cool in summer and warm in winter, which will be great for our tenants. The properties on this site have provided much needed quality affordable homes for local people.”

The Trust is utilising money accrued from Right to Buy sales, to provide the funding required for the scheme.