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Start on site for Code Level 6 Zero Carbon Development in Bristol
WORK has officially started on England’s first large-scale zero carbon development at hanham hall near Bristol. The start on site is well ahead of schedule with the arrival of key construction workers along with portable site offices and construction equipment.
This follows completion of the formal contractual commitments and planning permissions between the Homes and Communities Agency, the national housing and regeneration agency for England; Barratt Bristol; and South Gloucestershire Council.
Welcoming the start on site Colin Molton, Regional Director for the HCA in the South West, said: “This is an incredibly important development in the advancement of large scale zero carbon developments. Not only does it confirm the government’s ongoing commitment to providing communities with sustainable, environmentally friendly homes but it’s also a very real sign of long-term confidence in the housing industry in general and environmentally sustainable development in particular.”
Ben Cook, Senior Land Manager at Barratt Bristol, said: “hanham hall will deliver almost 200 new homes in an attractive and sustainable environment. We are looking forward to working closely with all our partners in the local community to deliver this nationally significant project.”
The development will be the first created as part of the government’s Carbon Challenge initiative, which aims to help the housebuilding industry fast track a number of developments that significantly reduce the impact on the environment; provide important lessons for delivering low carbon development; and encourage people to live more sustainable lifestyles.
Recently, the innovative nature of the project has been recognised with £0.8m additional funding from the government’s low carbon infrastructure initiative to provide an extension of the heat network from the onsite biomass CHP plant. This will be key to not only making the homes zero carbon but will also have the additional advantage of taking waste heat to neighbouring community buildings.
hanham hall is a former hospital site set in 6.6ha and features a grade II* Listed building.
Plans for the site include 178 homes that will conform to the highest level of the Code for Sustainable Homes and a range of shops and offices that will offer employment opportunities for the community. The homes will use energy and water efficiently, as well as minimising waste and carbon emissions.
Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “It is exciting to be the first authority in England to host a zero carbon development and the Council is pleased to note the continuing commitment of the Homes and Communities Agency and Barratt to sustainability and innovation at hanham hall and this additional funding will bring further benefits to the scheme.”
Allotment gardens and greenhouses will be provided to encourage residents to grow their own fruit and vegetables and a farm shop will offer a range of locally sourced products. Existing hedgerows, meadows and orchards will be retained and extended, and some of the heritage buildings will be adapted for community use including a nursery and a café for residents and visitors.
Barratt Bristol will be responsible for the preservation and restoration of the listed hospital building and for the conservation of green spaces that surround it. Additionally a Residents’ Trust will be established to oversee the ongoing maintenance and care of the whole site.
The first homes in the development are due for completion in 2010.
