TWO Eastleigh Housing Association eco-homes in Bishopstoke have chalked up a first by being awarded an excellent rating by the Building Research Establishment.

The properties in Sedgwick Road are the first in Eastleigh to earn the accolade. Ratings are based on criteria including energy, transport, pollution, materials, water, land use and ecology, plus health and well-being.

The Bishopstoke homes have a number of eco-friendly features as part of their design such as extra insulation, under-floor heating, energy efficient lighting, external render and timber cladding from renewable sources, double glazing and a water recycling unit.

Eastleigh Housing Association project manager Allan Fenn said: "We work hard to build homes that are environmentally-friendly and suit people's needs and these are an excellent example. We will continue to work with our partners to assess the suitability of these features in developments."

The eco-homes were designed by Portsmouth-based company Kenn Scadden Associates and were built by PMC Construction & Development Services.