With a projected total of 576 new homes, Cosmeston Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan in south Wales will be the UK’s largest net zero carbon housing development
Cardiff University has been appointed to independently assess the UK’s largest net zero carbon housing development project, verifying the zero carbon performance of the homes. Barratt Redrow will also sponsor two PhD students at Cardiff University to specialise in sustainable construction.
Half of the 576 homes will be affordable, with 219 set to be available for social rent. Infrastructure supporting the development will also include a new primary school, open space and active travel route across the across 22 hectares site, south of Penarth.
Ground source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels and batteries will boost the sustainability of the site, with outline planning permission granted in March of 2024.
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.”
On 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.”
The disposal was managed on behalf of the Welsh Government by 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.”
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