PLANS for a heavenly attempt to tackle climate change have been put forward. The first vicarage to meet the government s climate change requirements is to be built near Wembley Central station. The zero-carbon vicarage has received the green light from

PLANS for a heavenly attempt to tackle climate change have been put forward.

The first vicarage to meet the government's climate change requirements is to be built near Wembley Central station.

The zero-carbon vicarage has received the green light from Brent Council and will form part of the development on St John's Church grounds in Crawford Avenue, Wembley.

The vicarage will boast photovoltaic panels, state-of-the-art ground source heat pumps and solar thermal technology.

And the scheme will provide 20 new affordable homes for the area and a new community centre.

Architect, Christopher Rainsford said the development would be 'sustainable' while 'maintaining the integrity of an historic site.'

The affordable homes will also benefit from thermal technology and panels.

Some of the homes will be available for intermediate rent to residents and workers who can not afford to rent on the private market.

William Cornall, project spokesman, said the housing scheme would be a 'quality-built, attractive, low carbon scheme that will enhance the local area while meeting the needs of the local community.'

He said: "The St John's Church Grounds development will provide much needed affordable housing in Wembley for families, couples and single people, as well as a high quality community facility."

The development will also incorporate children's play facilities by the new community centre, along with 20 car parking spaces throughout.

The Grade II listed St John's Church, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and built in 1846, will be unaltered.

The development is being built by housing and regeneration group, LHA-ASRA, with construction due to commence this year.

ben.greening@archant.co.uk