The Welsh Government has agreed a contract with Barratt Redrow to
deliver the UK's largest net zero carbon housing development. It
is also believed to be one of the biggest in Europe.
The site, known as Cosmeston Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan, will
see the delivery of 576 new homes that will achieve net zero
carbon through innovative design and technologies.
Net zero housing developments aim to create homes that produce as
much energy as they consume, significantly reducing carbon
emissions and promoting sustainability.
Cardiff University has been appointed to independently assess and
verify data that monitors zero carbon performance of the
homes.
50% of the homes will be affordable, with 219 set to be available
for social rent. The development will also include a new primary
school, open space and an active travel route, creating a
comprehensive sustainable community.
On a recent visit to the site, the Cabinet Secretary for Housing
and Local Government, , said: "This landmark
development sets a new standard for sustainable housing not only
in Wales but across the UK and beyond.
“This isn't just about building homes - it's about creating
thriving communities and tackling the climate emergency head-on.
Our net zero policy is driving real investment and real change in
how we build the homes Wales desperately needs.
"The agreement with Barratt Redrow represents a significant
step-change that shows what's possible when we put people and our
planet first, and I'm particularly pleased with their commitment
to delivering training and apprenticeships, helping to build
skills and careers for the next generation.”
, Chief Executive of Barratt
Redrow, said: “As one of the leading housebuilders in Wales we
are proud to be working with the Welsh Government to build the
largest net zero new community in the UK.
“It will be an exemplar development and a great place to live,
with fantastic community facilities, a strong commitment to
affordable housing, and cutting-edge sustainability credentials.
Every highly energy efficient home will be heated by a ground
source heat pump and powered by photovoltaic panels and
batteries, cutting carbon and bills for future residents.”
The disposal was managed on behalf of the Welsh Government by
international property consultancy Savills. Director of Cardiff
Development for Savills, Scott Caldwell, said: “This commitment
by Barratt Redrow, the largest PLC housebuilder in the UK, is
believed to be the first of its kind at this scale in the UK.
It represents a significant investment and harnesses a raft of
industry expertise and knowledge to help demonstrate how delivery
standards can be implemented at scale to support the Welsh
Government's journey towards net zero.
“Learning from the Cosmeston journey is expected to help inform
how development can deliver to more stringent environmental
standards into the future.”
