WORK has begun on a new climate-conscious development of 34 homes in Hayes. 

Planning approval for the Maple and Poplar development, off Maple Road, Yeading, was granted in 2018 and is the site of a former day centre and care home, which were demolished that year.  

Hillingdon Council aims to breathe new life into the location, with high-quality social housing.  

The new homes are being built in two blocks of 17, around a central car park. This will have capacity for 34 vehicles and will include eight bays with chargers for electric vehicles.  

The project will include installation of large, underground ‘attenuation crates’. These will be installed under the permeable tarmac surface of the car park, to absorb surges of surface water following heavy rain.

Further environmental features include solar panels on the roof, landscaped gardens, a two-tier covered bike store and motor cycle parking.  

Cllr Eddie Lavery, cabinet member for Residents’ Services, said: “[It] is a great example of how we’ll factor climate emergency into developments in future, while reflecting the shift to more sustainable living.” 

Work on the southern block is now underway and scheduled for completion next summer, with work on the northern block to run concurrently.