Nine families in Mansfield are preparing to spend their first Christmas in their brand-new homes thanks to Mansfield District Council.
The new energy-efficient family houses on the Bellamy estate are the first to be occupied in a £7.7 million development of 20 two, three and four-bedroom semi-detached houses There are also two two-bedroom detached houses, one of which has already welcomed a new family.
As well as affordable rents – classed as 80% of market rents – the new homes come with super high insulation, solar panels and air source heat pumps, making them some of the most energy efficient new-builds in the UK.
Among those who have recently moved in is Laura Parkin, a mum of five who has been looking for a suitable home for her growing family since 2017.
She said: “I lived in Mansfield Woodhouse for around 16 years and we had a three-bedroom property but as our family grew, we outgrew the house. It’s been really hard as four and five-bedroom houses are rare. Also, three of my children have additional needs, so finding the space we all need has been hard.”
Laura, who volunteers with local disability swimming group, Sherwood Seals, says that the extra space in her new home has led to more positive relationships between her children as they all have their own independent space.
“It still feels quite surreal to be in here. In our old house we didn’t even have room for a table in the kitchen and we did almost everything in the living room. Just having the space for everyone to get ready and not be fighting over the bathroom. It’s been a huge improvement for us; a huge sense of relief.
“This year, because we have the room, I’m cooking my first ever Christmas dinner. It’s little things like that that make a huge difference. I’m a bit nervous but I’m looking forward to it.”
Laura’s family grew again in 2025 with the arrival of her son, Luca, and says that renting from the council will provide her with a sense of security in the coming years.
She said: “I wanted a home that would be a permanent home, and with the council, you just know that’s what you can have. When you have children with additional needs, you don’t want that hanging over your head all the time. It’s a forever home.”
Cllr Anne Callaghan, Portfolio Holder for Housing, added: “We are absolutely thrilled with the standard of these much-needed new homes. They have been designed to a fantastic future-proofed spec’ with lots of attention to detail and thought in terms of how modern families live.
“There are spacious light rooms and lots of storage space and electrical sockets. Outside, there are generously-sized gardens and electric vehicle charging points.
“These really are ‘forever homes’ where tenants can bring up a family and enjoy a good quality of life with lower energy bills and more affordable rents.”
As well as lowering energy bills, they will help the council to play its part in tackling climate change, with the homes going beyond the current Future Homes Standard specifications.
The homes have also been future-proofed, with the designs allowing for adaptations such as downstairs wet room showers for those that need them in later life.
The regenerated centre of the estate, which dates back to the late 1960s, now also has a new parade of shops, new children’s play areas and a cycling track. There will also be a new green space and through-road to improve public transport links.
The procurement process and construction of the development by Mercer has also delivered social value to the area, with 88 percent of the people employed on the project from within 20 miles of Mansfield, against a target of 60 percent.
The scheme is due to be completed in spring 2026.