Gloucester-based Newland Homes has secured a new development opportunity between Gloucester and Cheltenham, meaning the company is able to develop pioneering low and zero carbon homes close to its head office in Barnwood.
The circa 20-acre development parcel is located to the Southwest of the popular settlement of Churchdown. The land was earmarked for development within the Joint Core Strategy in 2017 and it now forms part of the South Churchdown Strategic Allocation.
Over the coming months, Newland Homes will prepare a scheme of low and zero carbon housing to sustainably develop the site. There will be a period of public consultation before a planning application is submitted, which is likely to be this Summer. It is anticipated that this will provide up to 145 new homes, including affordable housing and community green open space.
Newland Homes has recently been granted Reserved Matters consent for 22 zero carbon homes on Kidnappers Lane in Leckhampton. Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the scheme, praising the company’s commitment to zero carbon. Newland Homes is a carbon neutral company and the first traditional housebuilder to sign up to the United Nations’ Climate Neutral Now pledge. Furthermore, the company is on course to achieve at least a 50% reduction in company carbon emissions by the end of 2024.
The company has spent the last two years investing in measures to decarbonise its homes, well ahead of the Government’s timeframe for lowering carbon emissions in new builds. It is intended that the new homes close to Churchdown will utilise sustainably sourced materials and renewable energy technologies, along with increased levels of insulation. The result is homes which create as much prime energy as they need at zero cost to the homeowner, thanks to their use of highly efficient air source heat pumps and extensive solar panels.
Andrew Billings, Land Director at Newland Homes, said: “I am delighted that we have secured this prime development opportunity in Churchdown and it was a pleasure dealing with Philip Pratt at Alder King Property Consultants in Gloucester who acted on behalf of the landowner. The Newland team was ably supported by Colin Stratton of Osborne Clarke Solicitors in Bristol.”The 20-acre site is located adjacent to the emerging Bellway Homes and Ashberry Homes development, where 465 new homes are already under construction. There are excellent facilities in the locality, including a variety of shops, primary and secondary schooling, and grammar schools. The University of Gloucestershire and Hartpury College are also on the doorstep. The location provides excellent links both north and southbound via the Golden Valley and M5 and offers views towards Chosen Hill and the Cotswold Hills.