Five new affordable bungalows aimed at those over 50 years old are the first in England to use an eco-friendly heating technology.

The homes in Westbourne, delivered by HydeMartlet and Chichester District Council, include exhaust air heat pumps by Stiebel. The eco-friendly technology uses air ducts to transfer air from warm areas within the bungalow, such as the kitchen or bathroom, to heat up the rest of the rooms.

The bungalows also feature solar water heating and sedum roofs. Sedum is a low maintenance form of insulation that can reduce energy costs and reduce the amount of carbon emissions emitted. The sustainable technology, also known as a green roof, has a turf-like appearance can help cool the building in the summer and heat it up in the winter.

The five bungalows will meet high energy efficiency standards, and will be primarily for those over 50 years of age. Those currently under-occupying existing housing association homes and who have a local connection to Westbourne will be given priority during allocation.

A local connection is defined as being:

• A current Westbourne resident (for a minimum of 12 months)
• Permanently employed within Westbourne (for at least 18 hours a week; for a minimum of 12 months)
• Having a family member already living in Westbourne (mother, father, brother, sister or adult dependent children; for a minimum of 5 years)
• Or an ex-resident that has been forced to move away due to lack of affordable housing.

Chichester District Council is staging a Local Connection Registration Event on Wednesday 7 October 2009, at Westbourne Club, River Street, PO10 8TG, from 3 – 7pm.

Cllr Melva Bateman, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Chichester District Council, says: "District and Parish Council staff, and HydeMartlet representatives will be at the session to discuss the development. Interested housing register applicants who feel they meet any of the local connection criteria must ensure the District Council has all the relevant information to allocate the properties."

"Please bring along to the session, any evidence to support at least one of the local connections. This will ensure that a bid for one of the properties is considered in line with our allocation policy," she adds.

This event will provide an excellent opportunity to make sure housing register applications are up-to-date. There will also be an opportunity to join the housing register if you feel that you meet the local connection requirements listed above.

If you have any further queries, or are unable to make the appointed time, please contact the Housing Team's Customer Service Centre.