'Swedish cottages' to be retrofitted with Winchester council scheme

This comes after the authority ran a pilot scheme on five properties last year to improve energy efficiency and reduce bills. 

Retrofitting involves the replacement of roofs, timber cladding, windows and doors, as well as loft, wall and floor insulation and ventilation upgrades.

The timber-framed cottages are sited in villages across the district including Bramdean, Cheriton and Micheldever.

The budget, which was approved at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, July 16, includes loft insulation top ups of 150 properties.

In the city council's report, it said: “Tenants within these properties have reported a significant change in their energy bills and comfort levels. The whole house retrofit includes essential repairs that are required to ensure longevity of these homes.”

READ MORE: Winchester dog owners could benefit from new secure dog field

Conservative group leader Caroline Horrill said: “There is cross-party support to retrofit council homes. However, there is no mention of the support for tenants in the cottages while the work is carried out.”

Cllr Caroline Horrill (Image: Newsquest)

Preshanta Burbidge, city council officer, said: “Tenants usually stay in situ but we support them where needed if the work does impact them. With the pilot scheme, tenants were able to deal with the disruption because they know how much they would be able to save.”

Cabinet members were in support of the scheme. 

Cllr Kathleen Backer said: “I grew up in New Zealand in a timber frame property and it was freezing cold. This will make a huge difference in tenants' lives.”

Cllr Kelsie Learney added: “I lived in Sweden in the 1970s. The Swedes know how to insulate their buildings. It's really good we are getting ahead of the curb. I also welcome the new government's commitment to decarbonising the electricity grid by 2030.”

It was also given the seal of approval by council leader Martin Tod who said: “At the heart of this are our tenants.”