HEMP HOMES SCHEME COULD BE SOWN UP

A pioneering scheme is underway to build Britain's first
environmentally-friendly homes from hemp, a plant more usually associated
with cannabis production.

But the hemp used in the scheme at Haverhill is
being used because it is a good insulator which experts hope will produce
lower fuel bills for the occupants.

The project, which could revolutionise
house building, is being led by Suffolk Housing Society with grants from
the Housing Corporation and St Edmundsbury Borough Council. It forms part
of the Pounds I.5 million development on a 1.2 acre site at Park Road
Haverhill.

Among the 18 new homes being built will be a terrace of four two
bedroom houses two built using hemp as a major construction and two as
brick and block material.

Energy consumption of the building process will
be monitored and there will be research on insulation, sound proofing,
structural stability and resistance to moisture of both types of homes so
that comparisons can be made.

This will be the first time that entire homes
have been built of hemp mixed with hydraulic lime - both natural materials
- in Britain.

The tenants will play an important part in research carried
out by the Building Research Department, who will monitor how properties
will perform for at least a year.

Inspirations for the experience came
from local architect Ralph Carpenter, who saw the use of hemp in France. If
successful, the experiment could revive a crop that used to be grown
extensively in Britain.

Steve Cook, borough council director of environment
health and housing said: "This project is great of Suffolk and Haverhill to
be at the leading edge of what could be a breakthrough in housing
construction."

It is hoped the homes will be ready for occupation by next
summer. The project has attracted interest from the United States. The
homes are being built by DCH Construction.