UK’s largest net zero housing development to be built in Wales
UK’s largest net zero housing development to be built in Wales
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The UK’s largest net zero carbon housing development is set to be delivered in the Vale of Glamorgan after the Welsh Government confirmed a contract with housebuilder Barratt Redrow.
The project at Cosmeston Farm will see 576 new homes built to net zero carbon standards, a scale believed to make it one of the biggest schemes of its kind in Europe.
Half of the homes will be affordable, with 219 earmarked for social rent. The wider development will also include a new primary school, public open space and an active travel route, with the aim of creating a fully sustainable community. Cardiff University has been commissioned to independently assess and verify the zero carbon performance of the homes once they are completed.
Net zero housing developments are designed to generate as much energy as they consume, using technologies such as renewable generation and highly efficient heating systems to cut carbon emissions and lower household bills.
Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant described the scheme as a major milestone in both housing and climate policy. She said: “This landmark development sets a new standard for sustainable housing not only in Wales but across the UK and beyond.
She said: “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 the development would be a flagship scheme for the housebuilder.
He 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 Welsh Government’s disposal of the site was managed by international property consultancy Savills. Scott Caldwell, Director of Cardiff Development at Savills, said the commitment represented an industry first.
He 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.”
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