Purpose-led housing developer Morro Partnerships and housing association emh are celebrating significant momentum in their ongoing collaboration, with three affordable housing schemes across the region – injecting £5.3 million into the local economy.
Following the completion of 52 homes at the £12.6 million brownfield development on London Road, Daventry in July this year, the team is now focusing on the imminent completion of West Street in Enderby, Leicester bringing 21 homes to a former nursery site.
Meanwhile, over at Blackberry Street also in Leicester, work is progressing at pace with timber frames now being lifted into place to deliver a further 31 much needed sustainable affordable homes.
Alongside housing delivery, Morro has prioritised regional social value by directing £5.3 million in supply chain spend to subcontractors within a 30-mile radius.
Onsite operations across the three sites have safeguarded 13 local jobs, supported 122 local supply chain workers and provided hands-on opportunities for ten apprentices – three of whom have since been hired full-time – alongside multiple student work placements with nearby colleges.
What stands out across all three sites is the sustainability performance of each scheme, with Morro prioritising energy and water efficiency, renewables, biodiversity and encouraging eco-friendly transport.
Furthermore, Morro proudly commits to locally sourced, certified sustainable materials as well as a ‘zero-to-landfill’ pledge on construction waste, with 90% recycled on-site and the remaining 10% recycled, reused, or energy-recovered off-site.
Giovanni Corbo, group technical director at Morro Partnerships, said: “We’re really proud of this successful partnership with emh especially the integration of enhanced energy and sustainability performance methods that ensure these homes are built with the future of the planet in mind.
“All homes utilise fabric-first design with highly insulated timber frame construction, supplied through our M-Frame Innovation Hub. To ensure maximum efficiency and on-site energy generation, all homes are fitted with PV solar panels, smart control combi boilers and low-flow showers and taps. Crucially, homes are oriented to maximise passive solar gain, reducing the need for artificial heating and lighting.
“To support climate resilience and biodiversity of the development, we have retained and enhanced existing trees and vegetation, and chosen landscaping that offers natural cooling, shading, air quality improvement and carbon absorption – as well as integrating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). There are also ecology enhancements including bird and bat boxes, hedgehog-friendly fencing and native planting to support local wildlife.”
Each home will also be fitted with electric vehicle chargepoints and secure cycle storage, with the aim to support sustainable transport within the community. The sites are located within walking distance of schools, shops, medical facilities and transport links to further promote accessibility on foot.
Central to Morro’s social governance strategy is its engagement with the Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) scheme, successfully hiring and helping to integrate individuals nearing the end of their sentences back into the workforce.
Abdul Mozammdar, head of social purpose at Morro, said: “We always look beyond the site boundaries at our Morro developments, to ensure we are making the most positive impact we can on the surrounding area. One thing we always look to do is find ways to connect our efforts using circular economy practices – such as partnering with HMP Onley inmates to upcycle surplus building materials into benches for local charities like the Woodland Trust.
“Our projects span everything from mental health talks via Band of Builders and material donations to local SEN schools, to volunteering at food and toy banks and raising £2,700 for the Bodie Hodges Foundation through a team Wolf Run. It’s important that we offer more than bricks and mortar in the best ways we can, and we are really proud of what we have accomplished in this region.”
Charley Gibbons, group chief executive at emh said: “Our partnership with Morro is helping us deliver high-quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of local people while supporting our long-term commitment to sustainability and thriving communities.
“These developments are not only increasing the supply of much-needed affordable housing to local communities, but are also creating wider social and economic benefits through local employment, apprenticeships and investment in regional businesses.
“We’re particularly proud of the strong sustainability credentials across all three schemes, which will help residents benefit from lower energy costs while reducing environmental impact. We’re proud to work collaboratively with partners who share our values and enable us to achieve our aims of creating homes and communities that will have a positive legacy for years to come.“
For more information, visit: https://morropartnerships.co.uk