Low-carbon development focuses on community

A low-carbon development in Shropshire aims to attract long-term residents, its creator told the Independent.

The Wintles, a cluster of around a dozen eco-homes near Bishop's Castle in Shropshire, has been designed with communities in mind.

Creator Bob Tomlinson told the newspaper that while homes in the town have been built with modern low-carbon technologies, it also emphasises wider low-carbon community values such as car-sharing.

In addition, he said that attracting residents in the long-term has a low-carbon advantage, as fewer people moving in and out of the area can cut down on the amount of waste released through transport, refurnishing and redecorating.

Resident David Clarke echoed the statement, saying the layout of the community provides an ideal way to get to know his neighbours.

"The way the houses are arranged in a circle is really important to us, as you see the neighbours all the time and so we got to know them really easily. You end up spending loads more time talking," he said.

The Wintles was created by Living Villages and features eco-houses in a number of styles, including three-floor and bungalow designs.