Newland Homes’ latest collection of zero carbon homes in Wiltshire has been praised by Melksham and Devizes MP, Brian Mathew, following a recent site visit.

As a long-standing advocate for environmental sustainability, Mr Mathew donned his hard hat to see how the Gloucestershire-based housebuilder is delivering zero carbon, highly energy efficient homes in rural Wiltshire.

“‘These are the sort of homes we need to be building more of around the country” says the MP.

Newland Homes is among the few housebuilders to embed zero carbon principles in its home design, having removed all fossil fuels from its homes in favour of air source heat pumps and solar panels for heat and power, thereby cutting household energy bills as well as carbon emissions.

The company introduced air source heat pumps into its new homes as early as 2017, a full 10 years ahead of incoming government legislation under the Future Homes Standard, which will make them compulsory from 2027.  New homes built to high efficiency standards also prevent the need for costly retrofits.

The housebuilder’s senior team guided Brian around the site in Semington, near Devizes, which has been nationally recognised with a Best Sustainable Development Award at the prestigious What House? Awards; a benchmark for excellence in housebuilding.

As a Wiltshire Councillor, Mr Mathew led a successful motion to declare a climate emergency, committing the Council to strive for carbon neutrality by 2030.  He has consistently campaigned for rapid cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr Mathew comments: “The climate crisis demands clear action, and given the impacts of housebuilding on the environment we must push developers and lawmakers to make all new build homes more efficient and less harmful to their surroundings.  I have continually pushed to put tackling the climate crisis at the forefront of the political agenda, both in Wiltshire and across the UK, and will continue to do so.”

Progress is well underway on the latest collection of 18 zero carbon houses and bungalows adjacent to the parish allotments, which were created by Newland Homes in 2023.  A swale meadow and extensive wildflower planting will enhance biodiversity, and a natural play trail is also being installed.  The development is attracting significant buyer interest and off plan reservations have been brisk.

Marcus Evans, Sales & Marketing Director for Newland Homes comments: “Mr Mathew’s visit was a great opportunity to talk about the practical steps we’re taking to reduce carbon emissions and show how much is possible when sustainability is part of the blueprint of a development from the outset.  The fact that the homes are selling so well off plan speaks volumes about the growing appetite for greener, more energy efficient living.”

The homes at St George’s Mead form part of Newland Homes’ wider commitment to zero carbon living across the south west and the housebuilder is also building 24 zero carbon homes in the nearby village of Worton.

Newland Homes built its first zero carbon home in North Somerset in 2021.  The housebuilder has been widely praised for its innovative approach to sustainability and is one of the few housebuilders to fully embrace green technology in its homes.

For further information visit www.newlandhomes.co.uk/semington