A housing development in the South Lakes will offer its residents cheaper energy, thanks to an innovative heating system.

Cumbrian housebuilder Russell Armer is building the 13-home estate at St Mary's Green, Crosthwaite, Kendal, for Castles & Coasts Housing Association.

It is working with Oakes Energy Services and Kensa Group to install renewable heating, which will deliver up to 75 per cent of property's heat for free.

Individual ground source heat pump heating systems will be installed, supplied by a series of communal boreholes.

The firms say it ensures independent heating and hot water for the lifetime of the property, while significantly reducing carbon emissions. It also means the businesses can claim income from the Government's RHI programme, which provides financial incentives to eligible installations of renewable heating systems.

Rob Brittain, property services director at Castles & Coasts, said: “We are making improvements to energy consumption benefiting our residents, the environment and making cost efficiencies which can be reinvested back into our properties. The RHI enables us to recover the upfront investment.”