MP applauds zero carbon homes in Semington. Brian Mathew MP has praised the success of Newland Homes’ trailblazing zero carbon homes in Semington following a recent visit.
The Melksham and Devizes MP, a long-standing advocate for environmental sustainability, donned his hard hat to see how the local housebuilder is delivering zero carbon, highly energy efficient homes at St George’s Mead in rural Wiltshire.
Zero carbon and highly energy efficient homes
Newland Homes has ditched fossil fuels in favour of air source heat pumps and solar panels for heat and power. Thereby cutting household energy bills as well as carbon emissions. The company introduced air source heat pumps into its new homes as early as 2017. This was a full 10 years ahead of incoming government legislation under the Future Homes Standard, which will make them compulsory from 2027. New homes built to high efficiency standards also prevent the need for costly retrofits.
The housebuilder’s senior team guided Brian around the site in Semington. The site has been nationally recognised with a Best Sustainable Development Award at the prestigious What House? Awards. The awards are a benchmark for excellence in housebuilding.
Council committing to strive for carbon neutrality by 2030
As a Wiltshire Councillor, Brian led a successful motion to declare a climate emergency, committing the Council to strive for carbon neutrality by 2030. He has consistently campaigned for rapid cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.
Brian Mathew MP commented: “‘These are the sort of homes we need to be building more of around the country.”
He continues: “The climate crisis demands clear action. Given the impacts of housebuilding on the environment we must push developers and lawmakers to make all new build homes more efficient and less harmful to their surroundings. I have continually pushed to put tackling the climate crisis at the forefront of the political agenda. Not only here in Wiltshire but across the UK, and will continue to do so.”
Enhanced biodiversity
Progress is well underway on the latest collection of 18 zero carbon houses and bungalows adjacent to the parish allotments, which were created by Newland Homes in 2023. A swale meadow and extensive wildflower planting will enhance biodiversity. A natural play trail is also being installed. The development is attracting significant buyer interest and off plan reservations have been brisk.
Marcus Evans, Sales & Marketing Director for Newland Homes comments: “Brian’s visit was a great opportunity to talk about the practical steps we’re taking to reduce carbon emissions. And also show how much is possible when sustainability is part of the blueprint of a development from the outset. The fact that the homes are selling so well off plan speaks volumes about the growing appetite for greener, more energy efficient living.”
The homes at St George’s Mead form part of Newland Homes’ wider commitment to zero carbon living across the south west. The housebuilder is also building 24 zero carbon homes in the nearby village of Worton.
Newland Homes built its first zero carbon home in North Somerset in 2021. The housebuilder has been widely praised for its innovative approach to sustainability. It is one of the few housebuilders to fully embrace green technology in its homes.
Tailor-made appointments of St George’s Mead are available daily from 11.00am to 5.00pm. To book a tailor-made appointment, please call 01380 819000. For further information please click here or follow Newland Homes on social media @newlandhomes
Newland Homes Limited is a property developer registered in England and Wales number 2582221.
Registered office: Brighouse Court, Barnett Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RT.
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