Energy and regeneration specialist, Equans, has been appointed by Cheshire West and Chester Council to transform a brownfield site in Winsford into 99 net zero carbon family homes.
Equans has been granted planning consent to demolish and redevelop a former highways depot on Clough Lane, into a mixed-tenure development, where homes will be delivered with high environmental credentials and designed to meet net zero carbon status.
Recognising both the climate emergency and cost-of-living crisis, the development will also provide in-use zero carbon housing to Future Homes Standard. This means that the new homes will not be connected to the gas network and will instead be equipped with energy-efficient insulation and heated by a low carbon heating source such as an air source heat pump together with solar PV panels.
A new pedestrian and cycle access onto Weaver Street will also enhance the connectivity and legibility of the development, encouraging sustainable travel.
This builds on Equans’ presence in the area, with the developer already working on two low carbon housing developments in Winsford. One of these — Wharton Green — is seeing 138 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, constructed along with improvements to local highway infrastructure and a community open space. Five of these homes are set to be zero-carbon, a pilot which Equans will roll out across all 99 homes on the Phoenix scheme.
Steven Gregory, Regional Director at Equans, said: “We’re delighted that planning permission has been awarded for this exciting scheme as it’s our first 100% in-use zero carbon homes project. It’s a pleasure to see our good work continue in Winsford and surrounding areas and to also support the Council in meeting their sustainability targets.
“All stakeholders have worked collaboratively and enthusiastically to move this scheme on and I can’t wait for it to get underway.”
The scheme will be undertaken with Equans as the lead contractor, in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Torus. Demolition will start on 6th March this year, and the build is anticipated to complete in May 2025.
