A FORMER factory site in Redditch is set to be transformed into new homes.

Planning permission was granted for a total of 94 homes, which includes 26 townhouses and 68 apartments and an office space, to be built at the former Victoria Works on Edward Street.

Some of the homes being developed for the new estate will be ‘virtually plastic free’, according to Accord Housing Association.

The large project is also part of a £25m regeneration scheme of affordable housing from Accord within Redditch town centre.

The virtually plastic free homes comprise of twelve 1-bedroom apartments which are being built by Accord using timber frame modern methods of construction from its ‘LoCaL Homes’ factory.

Carl Taylor, assistant director of new business at Accord said: “We have been investing in low carbon housing solutions for many years. Our aim for these homes is to develop a low carbon, low plastic model for providing affordable homes on a large scale.”

The new homes will have a high end finish with plastic free alternatives installed such as wooden kitchen units and window frames, wiring using a mineral based insulation rather than the usual plastic and solar thermal heating systems which will provide low running costs.

Mr Taylor added: “By reducing the use of materials that are not good for the environment both during manufacture and construction, we can change how we manufacture our homes, providing a more sustainable solution for future housing.”

The project is the result of partnership working with Redditch Borough Council and is part of the CHARM (Circular Housing Asset Renovation & Management) partnership. The project has received £1.2m EU funding, allowing Accord to research the reduction and removal of plastic in a real-world large-scale project. Work is due to start in site in September 2020 with weeks expected to be completed by March 2022.