AN £8 million timber housing development in Redditch which features eco homes based on a design by a schoolgirl has been named as one of the best in the UK.

The development in Church Hill, built by Redditch Co-operative Homes, has been ranked amongst the country’s top 50 affordable housing developments 2014.

Built on the site of the former Marlfield Farm Primary School, the 79-home scheme features two innovative eco homes based on a design by schoolgirl Jennifer Brook.

Jennifer was just 10-years-old when she dreamed up an idea for an environmentally-friendly home, as part of a competition run by the Matrix Housing Partnership.

The development, completed in December last year, includes 58 houses and 21 apartments for rent and shared ownership.

It also has allotment space for families to grow their own fruit and vegetables and is being run as a co-operative, which means families manage the estate themselves.

Carl Taylor, director of Redditch Co-operative Homes, said: “It’s fantastic news for us as an organisation and Redditch that this development has been recognised in this way.

“We are very proud of the homes that we have built in the town in partnership with the Accord Group and Mansell, which are incredibly low carbon and sustainable.

“Families supported our submission for this award too, saying how much they liked their homes and how warm they have been during the winter. It’s great to know that they are happy in their new homes.”

Published in Inside Housing magazine, the top 50 UK affordable housing developments were judged by leaders in the housing field.