Embargo: 00.01hrs Friday 18 December 2006

Tree planting marks launch of innovative Elm Tree Mews housing project

Outgoing Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT) Director, Richard Best, will plant a tree at the site of Elm Tree Mews, the innovative 'eco-excellent' housing project at New Earswick, on Monday 18 December. Lord Best OBE retires at the end of the month after 18 years as Director of the Housing Trust and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

Construction of Elm Tree Mews started in November. The six new affordable homes will contain a range of innovative features to reduce CO2 emissions to comparatively negligible amounts and to dramatically cut fuel bills. A ground source heat pump, involving a 100 metre bore underground, will moderate energy consumption. But the design is aesthetically appealing too, echoing the Arts and Crafts style of the nearby Folk Hall and other buildings in the village.

Lord Best said: "The architects, Cole Thompson Anders, have designed a building complex that seems to fulfil our ambitions for the site. Not only will the homes incorporate the latest thinking in environmental standards but their contemporary design will sit happily next to the historic Folk Hall, which will be 100 years old next year."

Residents' Federation representatives will attend the tree planting ceremony and also will meet Julia Unwin CBE, who takes over from Lord Best on 1 January 2007. Until then, she is the Deputy Chair of the Food Standards Agency, a Board Member of the National Consumer Council and an independent consultant. Her many other roles have included being a Charity Commissioner and a member of the Housing Corporation Board for 10 years.

Notes to Editors:

The Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust is a registered social landlord. It is part of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and its Trustees and staff are the same. It owns the freehold of nearly all the properties in New Earswick, acts as landlord for the rented property and supports the community and education activities in the village. The JRHT also runs housing and care schemes in York and Yorkshire. These are of a developmental nature, demonstrating new forms of tenure, meeting special needs and exploring new features of design.

Issued by Sue Everard, JRF Media Manager: 01904 615 958 / sue.everard@jrf.org.uk