ZEDHomes to commence major UK Sustainable Homes Development
Filed under: Networks News Sustainable Design & Technology
Against a backdrop of the major developers laying people off, ZEDHomes (based in Harrow) has won planning permission to get work started on what will become the UK's biggest development at code level 5 and 6 of the sustainable homes code, far exceeding the requirements that developers are expected to reach by 2012 in terms of 'green-ness'.
This effectively delivers one of 'Brown's Towns', the eco-towns currently causing so much controversy, on a brownfield site and without touching any public money.
ASHFORD ZED PLANNING PERMISSION APPROVED
ZEDHomes today welcomed the decision of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears, to approve its outline planning application to develop an environmentally sustainable development project in Ashford.
The development shall create over 1,000 new homes, as well as 90,000 square feet of working spaces, retail and leisure facilities, on a brownfield site close to the town centre. Once complete, Ashford ZED will be an iconic new development in a designated growth area. Subject to detailed planning permission being granted quickly, construction could start early next year with the first residents moving in during 2010.
The Secretary of State's decision follows an inquiry into the project, initiated when ZEDHomes were forced to appeal against Ashford Borough Council's failure to make a decision on the scheme. ZEDHomes first submitted its plans to the Council in October 2005.
The development will achieve Level 5 under the Code for Sustainable Homes, with its provision for energy and water achieving Level 6, the highest possible. It will deliver near zero carbon emissions alongside the minimization of energy use and water saving.
The visionary scheme is the largest of its kind in the UK to achieve approval so far. Michael Shwartz, Managing Director of ZED Homes commented:
"I am delighted that the Secretary of State has recognised the significance and quality of our proposal. We want the people of Ashford to be proud that their town is to be home to such a visionary scheme, based on design of the highest quality. I believe this demonstrates strong support for eco-built homes from the government, which I applaud. We expect a strong demand from people wishing to live and work in the new sustainable community that we will be creating."
The scheme includes some 200 affordable homes and a further 50 sheltered units for the elderly.
ZEDHomes (www.zedhomes.com)
| Contact Person | Ameeta Sharma |
|---|---|
| Contact Telephone | 0845 1228656 |
| Contact email | ameeta.sharma@zedhomes.com |
| Borough | Harrow |
| Organisation |