Thirty-five affordable homes being built at Cambourne will use a Sustainable Drainage System.

The system includes a green roof which is covered in planting to act as a sponge reducing the water run-off and evaporation typical of normal roofs.

Essex-based contractor Higgins is building the houses which are due to be completed by March.

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In addition to the green roof, permeable paving is laid to control the release of water.

Shallow channels with gently sloping sides, known as grass swales, are included to allow a low water depth.

The houses will also have water butts to encourage the use of rainwater by households.