A PLAN to build 30 cutting-edge zero-carbon homes on the edge of Halton has been boosted by a £500,000 grant.
The grant, which will be shared between three groups, comes from the government's Low Carbon Community Challenge.
As well as the new homes there are plans to refurbish a derelict factory, install new solar panels and develop a community owned hyd
ro-electric scheme.
"It's fantastic the government have recognised that we are planning something really special," said Jon Sear, Lancaster Cohousing project manager.
"It will deal with the dereliction of the former factory so that the whole of Halton Gorge is a more pleasant place to visit."
The other groups involved are Local and Effective Sustainable Solutions (LESS) and Halton Community Organisation.
Many of the houses have been snapped up, but the project is keen to hear from people who are interested in taking up one of the 8-10 remaining houses and from businesses who are interested in using the Mill facilities.
Work is due to start on the mill refurbishment this summer and be open for business by the middle of 2011. The houses should be ready in early 2012.
"I think it's wonderful that the village can use the power of the river that is so much part of this village and that it will help the community," said Halton resident Emily Jefferson.
Lancaster Cohousing runs regular site tours, to book see www.lancastercohousing.co.uk.
