Almost 30 Zero Carbon Homes Unveiled in Cheltenham
The first of 27 zero carbon homes has been shown by Newland Homes in Leckhampton, south Cheltenham, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. How will the homes use technology to raise the environmental standards of new homes?
Local councillors joined Newland Homes to officially celebrate the opening of Pear Trees, where a collection of zero carbon homes powered by renewable technologies is under construction.
Each of the five-bedroomed, detached homes features solar panels and has been made to maximise solar gain with the energy generated being used to power the home’s air source heat pump.
The homes achieve an EPC rating of A
According to the HBF Watt a Save report, 3.6 tonnes of carbon are emitted per annum by the average UK home, so working to reduce energy costs is crucial for the housing sector.
Jeremy Drew, Developments Director for Newland Homes, explained that the housing sector must work to encourage people to make sustainable decisions: “We have built and sold close to 100 zero carbon homes across the South West in the last 18 months, which is a testament to the fact that people want to make more sustainable housing choices.”
As an independent developer, we can create the type of homes that suit a modern lifestyle, which is both mindful and respectful of the environment without compromising on comfort.
He continued to express that Newland Homes is looking forward to seeing what the future has in store: “Ribbon-cutting ceremonies traditionally symbolise new beginnings and the promise of an exciting future, and our zero carbon homes at Pear Trees are the future.”
The homes at Pear Trees achieve the highest possible EPC rating of ‘A’ for both energy efficiency and environmental impact, whilst also including other modern features. These are open-plan living spaces, snugs, and boot rooms. Seven of the properties also benefit from a multifunctional home office garden room.
Sustainable technologies will be implemented in the homes
Nine affordable zero carbon properties have been built in conjunction with Cheltenham Borough Homes as part of the development.
These new properties are part of a Section 106 agreement, which allowed the development of nine new affordable homes at Pear Trees on Kidnappers Lane, with local developer Newland Homes.
The homes have come about because of Cheltenham Borough Council’s key priority to increase the supply of housing and invest to build resilient communities.
It will offer a mix of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes available for affordable rent and shared ownership. The homes will all have a range of sustainable technologies, such as solar panels, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charge points, and will be built to the same net zero carbon specification as the properties for general purchase at Pear Trees.
All developers must raise their game to encourage sustainable living
Cllr Max Wilkinson, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Tourism and Wellbeing at Cheltenham Borough Council, revealed that Cheltenham is welcoming the implantation of sustainable technologies.
He said: “We have set stringent new climate change planning guidance for Cheltenham to raise the environmental standards of new homes built here. It’s exciting to see developers starting to build properties that meet the challenge by ditching gas boilers in favour of heat pumps, installing solar panels and embracing energy efficiency.”
I welcome the approach taken by Newland Homes and urge all other developers to raise their game too.
Newland Homes is an independent housebuilder and began operating in 1991. It was the first traditional housebuilder in the UK to sign the United Nations Climate Neutral Now Pledge.
This is a commitment to measure GHG emissions, implement means to reduce them, consider offsetting and report progress annually. The company is on course to achieve at least a 50 per cent reduction in carbon footprint by the end of 2024 and has been recognised by Carbon Neutral Britain as a carbon-neutral business.
