Gloucester-based Newland Homes has secured unanimous approval for its plans to build 145 new zero carbon homes at Churchdown, close to the company’s head office in Barnwood.
Tewkesbury Borough Council voted unanimously in favour of the proposed development on Cheltenham Road East, praising Newland Homes’ trailblazing approach to design, sustainability and track record of delivery.
In direct response to Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Climate Emergency, each of the zero carbon homes planned for the site will be powered by renewable technologies, including air source heat pumps and solar panels, transforming the way these modern homes are designed and run.
The development consists of a varied mix of homes, including 51 affordable homes and bungalows, along with other benefits, such as allotments, seven plots for self or custom build and extensive ecology initiatives including large areas of public open space, hedgehog highways and bird and bat boxes.
Construction work is anticipated to start in Spring 2024, with the first homes available to purchase this time next year.
Almost 50% of the site will be protected as public open space, including wildflower meadows, woodland planting and play space. Landscape enhancements will provide significant ecology and wildlife benefits, achieving a 34% biodiversity net gain against the expected planning standard of 10% biodiversity net gain.
The new homes will achieve an ‘A’ rating for both energy efficiency and environmental impact, making them the absolute pinnacle of sustainable development and far surpassing the UK’s current building regulations.
Tom Sheppard, Planning Director for Newland Homes, comments: “Zero carbon homes are without a doubt the future for housing and Tewkesbury Borough Council is forward-thinking in embracing this. We look forward to delivering innovative zero carbon homes on our home turf in Gloucestershire.”
Support for homes at Churchdown follows another successful planning permission for Newland Homes in Twyning, where Tewkesbury Borough Council approved the housebuilder’s detailed plans for 47 new zero carbon homes following Outline permission in 2022.
As part of the planning permission for the development, Newland Homes will also make financial contributions towards Highway Improvements, including the delivery of a new toucan crossing, local education provision, libraries, playing pitches and the local community centre. CIL contributions of around £400k will also be generated by the development.
Newland Homes is an independent company and a Carbon Neutral Business for the second year running. It was founded in Cheltenham in 1991, before relocating to Barnwood on the outskirts of Gloucester. It recently won a WhatHouse? Award for Best Sustainable Development for another of its zero carbon schemes. These awards are known as the ‘Oscars’ of the housebuilding industry, and Newland Homes was praised for its robust approach to climate change and its carbon neutral agenda.