A £7m housing project in Huddersfield is to be powered by sunshine - if the rain ever stops!

The families who move into new homes at Primrose Hill will benefit from solar-powered energy throughout their homes.

The new homes on Ridge Street and Ridge Close will replace ones that have been demolished. They will have solar panels on their roofs.

And the Yorkshire Housing Group and Kirklees Council, who are bringing 21st century technology to the heart of the estate say people living in the eco-homes will have dramatically-reduced energy bills.

The scheme is seen as the solution to a need for high-quality, low-cost housing for single people and families in the area.

The council is also putting solar panels on its existing homes on the estate - which includes Lawton Street, Elizabeth Street and Primrose Grove - and improving heating and insulation.

The Yorkshire Housing Group, with cash from the national Housing Corporation, will be spending about £7m to build 79 timber- framed flats and houses, which will also incorporate thermal insulation.

Eight of the 48 two-bedroom flats and seven of the 31 three and four-bedroom houses will be for sale at three-quarters of the market value, in a bid to encourage a mix of householders within the community.

The remaining homes will be let at affordable rents.

Work is expected to start early in the new year.

The aim is to help cut crime and make Primrose Hill a pleasant and safe place to live for the next 30 years or more.

Jimm Reed, Yorkshire Housing Group development project manager, said: "We hope this will be a ground-breaking scheme, as it is not just a demonstration project.

"It is a real housing scheme, which incorporates ambitious environmental sustainability concepts.

"The design targets an Eco-Homes Rating of excellent, which represents a high level of energy efficiency," added Mr Reed.

"This in turn leads to lower bills for the residents, so I am confident that our customers will appreciate the benefits."

* Solar thermal heating will run the hot water systems

* A photo-voltaic (PV) panel system, which will be introduced into the existing and new homes, will turn sunlight into electricity and make big savings on energy bills.

* Houses will be built with adaptable roof space, allowing the homes to cater for growing families

* All the roofs are designed to accommodate solar thermal and PV panels.