The transformation of Barne Barton, once the largest naval estate in the South West, has reached an important milestone with the completion of the first new homes delivered through a major regeneration programme led by Clarion Housing Group.
Working in partnership with regeneration specialist Lovell and Plymouth City Council, the project is replacing outdated post-war housing with modern, energy-efficient homes. The focus is on creating a greener, safer and more connected neighbourhood for local people.
The new homes are designed with sustainability and resident wellbeing at their core. Each property benefits from solar panels that supplement household energy use, ensuring that when the sun is shining, power is drawn from the panels first. Homes are also fitted with air source water tanks, which use ambient air to pre-heat hot water, helping to reduce overall energy demand. Every property comes with an electric vehicle charging point as standard.
To mark the milestone, Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion, was joined by Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans OBE, Cllr Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing and Co-operative Development, Ross Field, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, and other council representatives for a tour of the new homes.
During the visit, they met with a resident who had recently moved in and shared how delighted they were with the additional space, lower energy bills, and strong sense of community on the estate. The celebrations continued with a community event, where returning residents joined Clarion colleagues, including Clare Miller, Chief Executive of Clarion Housing Group, to mark this important milestone and reflect on the positive changes taking place in the area.
Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to see the first new homes completed at Barne Barton. This marks a turning point for the estate and a real step forward in its transformation. The regeneration is focused on putting local people first by delivering homes that are energy-efficient, affordable, and built to the highest standards of design. We are excited to continue progress on this important regeneration, shaped around placemaking and supporting a thriving, sustainable community.”
Ross Field, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, commented: “The delivery of the first new homes marks the most significant milestone to date on the Barne Barton project and are testament to the entire project teams efforts on what is an extremely technically challenging project. With phase one now gathering momentum, we very much look forward to continuing to play our part in the regeneration of the Barne Barton area.”
Once complete, the wider regeneration will deliver more than 200 new homes, with a mix of affordable tenures and open market sale. The project will also include new green spaces and improved pedestrian connections, with an emphasis on placemaking and long-term sustainability.
Header image: From L-R — Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group, Cllr Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing & Co-operative Development at Plymouth City Council, Clarion Resident Kirsty and Kirsten Wildman, Regional Director of Housing at Clarion Housing Group. Image credit: FOTONOW CIC
