Council homes project scoops award

A project to improve some of Derby’s least energy-efficient council homes has scooped a prestigious industry award.

Derby Homes – the Arm’s Length Management Organisation (ALMO) that manages Derby City Council’s housing stock – recently won the Best Carbon Reduction Project of the Year at the Building Communities Awards.

The Allenton Cast Iron project has transformed some of the council’s least energy-efficient homes with a range of measures, including external wall insultation, new windows and doors.

The cast-iron council homes in Allenton are thought to be Derby’s oldest. They were built after the First World War from 3ft square iron plates, bolted together, earning them the nickname “Tank Houses”.

In total, 80 homes have been improved as part of a £3 million project, with further properties to be completed soon.

Councillor Shiraz Khan, the city council’s cabinet member for housing, property and regulatory services, said: “While we’re delighted to win this award, which recognises our commitment to providing warm, decent homes that don’t cost the earth, the real winners here are our tenants. Our work is already making a real difference for struggling families.”