An overjoyed mum-of-four who was handed the keys to a brand new council house has described the new pad as a 'kingdom.'
Louise, of Oldham, Greater Manchester, says her family is in a 'new world' after settling down in the eco-friendly, five bedroom property.
It comes after Oldham council bought 19 of the homes with 'world-leading' clean energy systems to provide affordable family accommodation in the borough.
Each property features innovative equipment including photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and modern electrical heating which reduces carbon emissions and each property’s reliance on the National Grid.
One of the first residents to move into the development, Louise has said the spacious home will change her kids' future, Manchester Evening News reports.
Other families will now be moving into seven of the homes, with the remaining 12 due to be handed over to the town hall from construction firm Engie Regeneration in late February.
"You have given us a new world literally, Louise said.
“We were previously living in a top floor two-bedroom maisonette – it was cramped, nobody had their own space and I had even had to convert the utility room into a bedroom.
“Our new home is a kingdom. It has opened up so many opportunities for my family and for my children to thrive and prosper. It is amazing and it will change our lives.”
The homes in the Primrose Bank area of Oldham provide the borough with a type of housing which local government say is in ‘desperately short supply’.
They are being let at affordable rent up to 80pc of market rent in Ashton Road and Lee Street.
Councillor Hannah Roberts, cabinet member for housing said: “We are so happy to see the first families moving into their new homes and we wish them every happiness for the future.
“These homes will make a real difference to the lives of local families for many years.
“With more properties coming forward, I urge anyone on the council’s housing register who needs a home of this type, to keep an eye out for the property advert and bid.”
Great Places Housing Group is managing the new homes on behalf of the council.
