An affordable housing development that is 15% powered by the sun has achieved one of the highest environmental sustainability ratings in Britain.

The four cottage flats and four two-storey homes were built on the site of a former tennis court in Fife.

They have received a score of 71.23% under the industry code for Sustainable Buildings/

The £1.2m development at Kirkmay Road, Crail include solar thermal panels, triple glazing and bike parks and residents can walk to shops without having to rely on cars.

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Kingdom Housing Association, Oliver and Robb Architects and builders Muirfield Contracts called on environmental consultants Ecodyn Ltd to guide them through the process of applying for EcoHomes accreditation.

Keir Allen of Ecodyn said: "Because the site was on a former tennis court, there were some limitations in terms of location but this was accounted for and all parties worked very hard to achieve the rating. The Eco Homes framework rewards developments which score well, not only in environmental aspects, but also in terms of social well-being and affordability."

Alan McGuckin of Kingdom Housing Association said: "During the last year a total of 438 projects were assessed in the UK under EcoHomes and only 58 achieved the excellent rating. We are delighted the Crail development was one of those."

He thanked Fife Council for their support.

(NE)