There was understandable dismay locally when the Green Man pub, at the corner of Katherine Road and Plashet Grove, was demolished.  It was said to be the neighbourhood’s oldest building.

Last week I opened the new housing development on the site.  Oberon Court, developed by London & Quadrant Housing Association, is a smart complex of 42 homes.  A one bedroomed flat costs £165,500, two bedroomed from £200,000.  Nine are for rent, and six for shared ownership - part rent, part buy, and the occupier can eventually buy outright if they wish.  Two roof terraces have great views.

But the most interesting features are environmental.   Oberon Court is very efficient on energy and water use, meeting the so-called 'Code 5' standard.   It is one of the first developments in London to do so.  Occupiers can save £200 to £450 per year on bills as a result.

The roof is covered with solar panels to generate electricity.  Triple glazed windows and high spec insulation deliver heat efficiency – plus using the boiler’s warm flue gases to pre-heat the cold water en route to the boiler, and a heat recovery ventilation system.  It is claimed that carbon emissions have been cut by 60%.  Water is saved by cleaning up the bath water and reusing it to flush the toilet!

**********************************************

Congratulations to Red Door Studios at the corner of Masterman Road and High Street South.  Their Handmade with Love Christmas Market last weekend was buzzing.   Owners Gordon Haskins and Dolores Maisonneuve have converted a disused bakery.  Canadians who have lived in East Ham for ten years, they report a growing number of artists locally, many priced out of Hackney.  I was disappointed, back in the 1990s, when the art gallery nearby on the corner of Rancliffe Road closed down.   I wish Red Door well.