Sero Homes approached DPP to deliver their first residential development, with the aim of providing affordable rented housing, that minimised the impact they have on the planet.

The site identified for this scheme brought with it several challenges; a designated Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), an adjacent ancient woodland; and surface water run-off issues.

DPP led early discussions with the Local Planning Authority and assisted Sero on the appointment of a consultant team capable of overcoming the challenges. The result was the development of 35 environmentally friendly homes for rent, hailed as one of the world’s first truly net carbon neutral neighbourhoods.

The homes will have a net-zero-embodied-carbon primary structure, use passive design and use renewable energy technologies to generate enough electricity to power the scheme.

Designed by award winning architects Loyn & Co and landscape architects Farrer Huxley, DPP had to overcome a number of challenges during the application, including the need for ecological mitigation and requests for financial contributions.

As part of the discussions on contributions, DPP worked with Sero on amending the Welsh Government definition of affordable housing to take account of whole life-costs. This revised definition is now being taken forward in legislation.

Images: iCreate