The new homes by the sea where electricity bills are 'surprisingly lower'

Families who have moved into new seaside eco homes have praised the lower rates they are paying for their electricity. The first residents have now moved into the council properties in Blackpool, which has been part of a £20m investment.

A total of 17 houses, including five bungalows, are now occupied on the Grange Park estate where 131 new homes are being built in total. Work began in May last year on two sites at Dinmore Avenue and Chepstow Road, where solar panels are being fitted to all homes, and 30 properties will have air source heat pumps.

Leanne Griffin is among the new residents having previously been homeless with her children, and has received help from the Royal British Legion to fit out their four bedroom semi-detached house. She said she was delighted to move from “a dilapidated privately rented house to a pristine council new build, all thanks to Blackpool Council following a challenging year-and-a-half of homelessness alongside our children.”

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Leanne added: “Now, in our new residence, I am deeply grateful to Blackpool Council for providing us with this fresh start. Additionally, the Royal British Legion has generously kitted out our house with new essentials. What’s even more remarkable is that our new home is one of the new green houses, equipped with a heat pump and solar panels.

“The electricity bills are surprisingly lower than I thought they would be, adding to our relief and gratitude.” The development is being built by Blackpool-based contractor Tyson’s and is due to be completed next year.

It will include 96 houses, five