The Welsh Government have agreed on a contract with housing developer Barratt Redrow to provide the largest net zero housing development in the UK. 576 homes will be built on the Cosmeston Farm site near Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan. Through use of innovative technologies and special building techniques the development will aim to create homes that produce as much energy as they use.
Cardiff University were commissioned to independently verify the plans and to monitor the performance of the homes in terms of carbon usage. According to a statement by the Welsh Government, half the homes that will be built will count as affordable ones, with 219 available for social rent. As part of the development a new primary school will be built, as well as open space and an active travel route.
In a statement following a recent visit to the site the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, 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.”
David Thomas, 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.”
