Work officially starts on England's first eco-village at Hanham

Work officially started today on England’s first large-scale zero carbon development at Hanham Hall.

The leader of South Gloucestershire Council Cllr John Calway officially declared work under way on the eco-village from the seat of a JCB.

Hanham Hall is one of 96 redundant hospital sites throughout England that the Homes and Communities Agency is bringing back into productive use.

Work began in Hanham following the completion of the formal contractual commitments and planning permissions between the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the national housing and regeneration agency for England, Barratt Developments and South Gloucestershire Council.

The first homes in the development are due for completion next year.

Mark Clare, chief executive of Barratt Developments, said: “We are delighted to be starting work on the first zero carbon community at Hanham Hall. There is no doubt that there will need to be significant changes in the way that homes are constructed to meet higher environmental standards.

“This project places us at the forefront of that important agenda.”

Robert Napier, chairman of the HCA said: “In the current economic climate, it is even more important that we take steps towards achieving a low carbon future.

“This milestone marks real progress for Hanham Hall, which will help people to live more sustainable lifestyles and provide homes that are attractive, affordable and extremely energy efficient.”

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 developments that significantly reduce the impact on the environment and encourage people to live more sustainable lifestyles.

Plans include 195 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.

Allotment gardens and greenhouses will be provided to encourage residents to grow their own fruit and vegetables and a farm shop will offer locally sourced products.

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 cafe.