800 Darlington homes set for major upgrade to cut energy bills

A total of 800 homes have been identified for upgrades by Darlington Borough Council, which include installing external and cavity wall insulation, upgrading doors and windows, installing low-energy lighting, and providing roof extensions.

The local authority said the scheme is designed to reduce the amount of energy residents use and cut down on carbon emissions. 

Council officials hope the changes will improve the comfort and health of our tenants in their homes and the wider community of Darlington.

A total of 800 homes have been identified for upgrades by Darlington Borough Council (Image: Darlington Borough Council)

Councillor Matthew Roche, cabinet member for health and housing, said: “This is one of the biggest council home capital programmes ever undertaken in Darlington. 

“Thanks to choices made by the council, and with the support of Government funding, it will make hundreds of homes more energy efficient – lowering energy bills for tenants. 

“I’m really happy this is underway.”

Funding for the scheme has been provided through several Government grants. 

As part of its climate change strategy, the council aims to achieve Net Zero across its housing stock by 2050. 

It also hopes to meet the national requirement to achieve a minimum energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of C in all homes by 2030. 

New properties being built by the council across the borough include solar panels, air source heat pumps, and electric vehicle chargers. 

That includes new homes at the council’s Neasham Road housing development, which has been described as the largest new-build project in decades, and will see 150 new homes built. 

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