Zero carbon homes showcased in Whitminster just days after the launch of the Government’s Warm Homes Plan. This Government initiative aims to make older homes warmer, cheaper to run and more carbon efficient. Labour MP Dr Simon Opher visited Newland Homes in Whitminster to see how the next generation of zero carbon homes are already being built in the county, removing the need for costly retrofit later.
Warm Homes Plan
The Warm Homes Plan is a £15 billion Government initiative. Its aim is to cut household energy bills, tackle fuel poverty and improve living conditions by accelerating the rollout of energy efficient new homes. With domestic households accounting for a significant percentage of the UK’s carbon emissions, and millions of households still living in cold, inefficient homes, improving housing performance has become a central pillar of the Government’s climate and cost of living policy.
Every home at Upton’s Garden is zero carbon in operation
At Upton’s Garden in Whitminster, every home is zero carbon in operation. They are powered and heated by renewable technologies instead of fossil fuels. With Air Source Heat Pumps, an extensive array of solar panels and insulation levels aligned to Passivhaus standards, each home achieves the top EPC ‘A’ rating for energy efficiency and environmental impact.
Furthermore, the homes are entirely fossil-fuel-free. As a result they are therefore more resilient to future energy price shocks. Our commitment to building genuinely zero carbon homes is both good for the planet and for people’s pockets. Homeowners report it costs just £3.57 a week to heat and power a four-bedroom detached zero carbon home in the summer.
Dr Opher MP described the development as “impressive”
During the visit, Stroud MP Dr Opher described the development of 11 contemporary homes close to the River Frome and Cotswold Canals network as “impressive”. As a GP by background, Dr Opher has consistently highlighted the link between poor housing and ill health, and the role warm, energy-efficient homes can play in improving wellbeing and reducing pressure on public services.
Dr Simon Opher MP went on to say: “I was really impressed by the work being done in Whitminster to deliver completely fossil fuel–free homes. Reducing our reliance on a volatile global energy market and increasing our use of renewables is essential. It’s good for people and the planet. These homes show how we can protect our environment while cutting energy bills for residents.”
Simon was joined by Cllr Dave Mathews from Stroud District Council. Cllr Mathews comments “We need to take urgent action to reverse man-made climate change and biodiversity loss. But we also need to tackle the housing crisis. This kind of development helps address each of these issues. With super-efficient, zero carbon homes and a large communal green space as a haven for nature.”
Welcoming the chance to share our zero carbon expertise
Chris Parker, Head of Marketing for Newland Homes, explains: “As a smaller, privately owned Gloucester-based housebuilder, we welcomed the chance to share our zero carbon expertise with Simon and Dave. It’s a timely example of how national housing ambitions can translate into positive outcomes for local people.”
Chris continues: “The Warm Homes Plan is setting the agenda for the decade ahead. By working collaboratively across government, business and communities, there is a real opportunity to make lasting improvements to how homes are built and lived in.”
Just two of the 11 homes are still available at Upton’s Garden, with prices starting from £595,000. Tailor-made appointments are available daily, call 01452 645510 to book. For further information and to view homes online please click here or follow Newland Homes on socials @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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