Pioneering plans for a block of eco-friendly flats are set to pave the way for greener and cheaper living in Macclesfield.

Cheshire Peaks and Plains Housing Trust is footing the £850,000 bill for the eight new apartments on Cumberland Street.

Featuring carbon-reducing technology, they will meet housing needs and tackle climate change, say developers Bramall Construction.

Ventilation systems designed to cut down on traffic noise, the inclusion of solar panels to generate electricity, improved insulation in the walls, floors and roof, and energy-efficient boilers will be installed.

The technology, which also includes water saving features, has been used in British homes before, but never in a block of flats.

Arthur Hallworth, Bramall’s design manager, said: "We have embraced carbon reducing eco-technologies as part of this project and have used more modern versions of Victorian features to allow the development to fit in with its surroundings in Macclesfield.

"It is an exciting project. We aim to reduce carbon emissions by up to 44 per cent per property and help residents reduce their annual household bills when they move into the properties in October this year."

Nigel Bennett, development manager at Cheshire Peaks and Plains, added: "This is the first new-build project for CPP and we are really pleased to be working with Bramall on this innovative project to provide energy-efficient homes for our customers.

"We have been heavily involved with the design process to ensure that our new homes offer whole house environmentally-friendly solutions and we are hoping to link with energy suppliers to include renewable technologies and facilities for monitoring energy consumption over time."

The site used to be a CPP office, which is now being demolished.