A Suffolk housebuilder believes it is the first in the UK to offer a decade of zero energy bills to buyers after installing battery storage facilities on an estate.

Woodbridge-based Hopkins Homes has teamed up with Octopus Energy to create the offer at its Church View development at Bramford, near Ipswich

It has extended its partnership with Octopus and doubled a previous five-year commitment on energy bills.

The guarantee applies to select eco-friendly properties at its Church View development in Bramford, Ipswich.

It has been able to make the offer because of big upgrades to battery storage systems in the homes. The increased capacity means the properties can store and use more renewable energy to ensure extended periods of self-sufficiency.

Hopkins Homes managing director Duncan Jackson said they believed the scheme would revolutionise how people live and would set new standards for the industry.

"We are immensely proud to be the first housebuilder in the UK to offer a 10-year Zero Bills guarantee, effectively doubling our previous commitment.

"This unprecedented move not only delivers cost certainty to homeowners in a volatile energy market but also highlights our dedication to delivering innovative solutions for sustainable living."

Mid Suffolk District Council leader Andy Mellen said: "I am delighted to see Hopkins Homes taking the lead by extending the Zero Bills guarantee to 10 years for these homes at Church View.

"This pioneering approach provides long-term benefits to the homeowners in Bramford, and it demonstrates what can be done with existing technology to deliver homes fit for the future."

Nigel Banks, Technical Director Zero Bills at Octopus Energy, said the two companies were "setting a new gold standard for sustainable living in the UK".