Plans for a 1,500-home eco town have been revealed and will feature energy-efficient homes within a sustainable infrastructure.
The first 169 eco homes to be built in Cornwall will be part of a garden village on a development the size of 290 football pitches.
The energy-efficient homes will be available “to suit everyone from first-time buyers to retirees”, and integrated to “create an innovative and truly sustainable community”. And 30% will be affordable homes.
Outline planning permission has already been granted for the wider development, with work on the project expected to begin later this year, providing a reserved matters application is accepted.
There will be a focus on using renewable energy for the village — a solar farm is already situated on the site — and there are plans to ensure the village is carefully integrated with the green infrastructure and landscape.
The project, titled West Carclaze Garden Village has been drawn up in partnership between Orascom Development and Imerys – creating a new venture called Eco-Bos, which is now progressing with implementing the development.
Eco-Bos also plans to introduce a network of cycle and footpaths, with 350 acres of the site designated as open space for use by residents of the garden village and the wider public.
Benefit of Sustainable Homes
Developments such as West Carclaze are welcome additions for improving the energy efficiency of homes. Earlier this year the English Housing Survey revealed energy efficiency in homes has improved over the last two decades, but has slowed down in recent years.
For self builders, building a sustainable home allows you to install the latest renewable technology for heat and power which can help to lower your energy demand, thus reducing costs in the long term.
(MORE: Self Build: The Complete Guide)
The Scottish government has pledged to make all new homes energy efficient by 2024, and the homebuilding industry is continually exploring new ways of improving sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Earlier this month a study revealed that timber frame construction could store up to 700 million tonnes of carbon a year.