Work on an innovative 61-home eco-friendly housing project on the site of a former Suffolk school is progressing well with plans to make it even more energy efficient.

The developers of Deben Fields, off Garrison Lane, Felixstowe, have applied for amendments to the scheme, which is currently under construction.

The East Suffolk Council project on the site of the resort’s old Deben High School will feature 61 new homes – 45 apartments and maisonettes and 16 houses, with 42 of them affordable – designed to the highest standards in green technology, along with a sports hub and new community facilities.

READ MORE: New use for old Deben school in Felixstowe secures planning permission

Most of the homes will be one-bed and two-bed but there will be homes up to four-bed. The affordable properties will be 32 for rent and 10 shared ownership.

The homes will feature greater insulation than typical UK properties, triple glazing, with insulated frames, mechanical ventilation, with a heat recovery system, creating low heating demand and smaller bills.

Initial work by builders Kier Construction has seen foundations poured, installation of timber frames for the apartments, along with drainage and development road works and work on the main structures before the green roofs are installed.

Ipswich Star: Amendments are being carried out to the Deben Fields development to make the homes more energy efficientAmendments are being carried out to the Deben Fields development to make the homes more energy efficient (Image: Richard Cornwell)Kier said permission being sought from the district council for the changes to the plans included design amendments, 'which will improve energy efficiency, whilst ensuring the project remains economic to build, sustainable and inclusive.'

READ MORE: WATCH: Before and after drone footage of high school being demolished

“However, the numbers of homes being delivered is not proposed to change, nor the size of the buildings.”

The main changes are a reduction in the size of windows to improve energy efficiency and reduce the risk of overheating during summer months, movement of four homes to protect a large valuable tree’s root system, removal of some small external structures (including bins stores, electrical housing and water pump stations) and changes to some balconies.

READ MORE: Felixstowe news