Broadland District Council has joined forces with Norse to create a private sector arm tasked with driving money back into public services.

Broadland Growth Ltd has been set up by the two organisations to spearhead the creation of 14 energy–efficient homes in Hellesdon.

The housing estate – the first project for the commercial company – will be developed on land owned by the council adjacent to its Carrowbeck Training Centre on Drayton Road.

Work is expected to start in early Spring and the EDP Top100 company RG Carter has been appointed as builder for the development.

Andrew Proctor, chairman of Broadland Growth Limited and Broadland District Council Leader, said: 'This is a new venture for Broadland and developing the site through the company means we can use profits to support services to residents. Working with our trusted partner NPS will ensure any risk to public money is strictly limited.

'The homes will meet high standards of energy efficiency as part of our ambition of environmental excellence. Selling some of them on a shared equity basis will also benefit local people looking to get on the housing ladder.'

The two three bedroom and six four bedroom detached houses will be sold on the open market, while the four two bedroom and two three bedroom semi-detached houses will be offered on a shared equity basis, with priority given to people with strong links to Broadland.

Richard Gawthorpe, Broadland Growth executive director and a group director of NPS, a sister company of Norwich-based Norse, said: 'These homes will be at the leading edge of low energy design. Passivhaus buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort while using very little energy for heating and cooling.

'They are built with meticulous attention to detail and rigorous design and construction according to principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany.'

Grant Keys, director and general manager for Drayton-based RG Carter, said: 'We are absolutely delighted to have been appointed to carry out this exciting project. Working to these high energy efficiency standards is challenging and we appreciate the confidence the company is placing in us to deliver the excellent development everyone expects.'

The new homes will all aim to meet the standards of Passivhaus by installing triple-glazed windows and doors, high levels of thermal insulation, draft free construction, thermal bridge-free construction, and mechanical ventilation to provide fresh air and heat recovery.

The Norse Group is owned by Norfolk County Council.