A major new housing development in the Tees Valley designed with solar panels as standard is now being marketed in Redcar. The new homes will be approximately 25 percent more efficient than current building regulations require.

The show home on Steeplechase in the heart of Redcar, where 83 environmentally-friendly properties are being marketed, throws open its doors at Easter, starting on Good Friday (April 2).

The properties incorporate so many green features that householders will make substantial savings on their energy bills compared to less eco-friendly homes.

They are being sold by times4homes, which is the sales arm of Coast & Country, one of the largest regeneration and housing companies in the North East.

The homes' green credentials include:

Andrew Mayfield, senior technician and sustainable homes assessor with Stokesley based DKS Architects, which designed the homes, said: "The properties are being built to a much more rigorous environmentally-friendly benchmark than stipulated by Building Regulations.

"They are 25 percent better than what is required and, therefore, householders should enjoy significant reductions in energy consumption compared to properties that only meet the minimum standard."

Iain Sim, Chief Executive, said: "Coast & Country, who are dedicated to using its expertise and experience to deliver sustainable, mixed tenure housing, has worked closely with the Steeplechase architects and developers to develop homes packed with advanced energy saving features.

"The green credentials of the homes will help keep costs down for the families who will live there, as well as helping reduce the town's carbon footprint.

"These first-class homes, which are being sold under our times4homes brand at Steeplechase, are perfect for a wide range of people including those looking to purchase their first home, growing families, and couples looking for a low maintenance home for their retirement.

"Redcar is an ideal place to raise children because of the substantial investments being made in local schools and healthcare facilities, its access to shops, its road links and the stunning coastline and surrounding countryside."

The homes, which range from two bedroom townhouses to four bedroom family homes, and also bungalows, come with many features as standard.

These include, lockable windows, wall tiling in the bathrooms, an overhead shower in the bath, a choice of units, worktops and tiles in the kitchen - if the selection is made before the contractor places the order - smoke alarms, external security light to the front, turfed front and rear gardens, a flagged patio area and a 200 litre water butt.