Pittville School in Cheltenham has selected Barnwood-based housebuilder Newland Homes as its development partner, enabling the school to release land for 58 ultra energy efficient houses.

The investment generated enables the school to deliver on its long-term ambition of a new state-of-the-art sports hall, dance and fitness studios, as well as an all-weather pitch and tennis court to enrich the student experience at Pittville School.

The school originally gained outline planning permission in 2016 for the construction of 58 new homes and a new sports complex on one of its playing fields. Having identified that the proposed field had become surplus to the school's requirements, it successfully gained planning approval.

Building on this consent, Newland Homes plans to submit a fresh planning application for 58 zero carbon homes this spring, aligning its plans with the previously approved designs principles.

Newland Homes has been at the forefront of constructing award-winning zero carbon homes in recent years. Instead of relying on fossil fuels such as gas, zero carbon homes are engineered to produce as much prime energy as they consume from renewable sources. The zero carbon homes benefit from advanced insulation and use solar panels and air source heat pumps for heat and power.

Richard Gilpin, headteacher of Pittville School, said: "We are delighted to have selected Newland Homes to enable Pittville School to provide our students with a much-needed sports hall and all-weather 3G pitch. This is a self-funded project that the school, having obtained planning permission, can now embark upon.

"We will start the project in the summer of 2025, with a view to opening the sports hall and pitch in readiness for the start of the September 2026 academic year."

Simon Richardson, associate land director at Newland Homes, said: "As a company that was founded in Cheltenham over 30 years ago, we're pleased to be part of a project that directly benefits the town. This development allows us to continue our commitment to building high-quality, zero carbon homes whilst supporting Pittville School in its delivery of outstanding sports and education facilities."

Cheltenham MP Max Wilkinson, a long-standing advocate for sustainability in housebuilding, has cited Newland Homes as an example of what developers should be doing to future-proof housing.

Max's Sunshine Bill called for solar panels to be mandatory on all new homes to improve energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Newland Homes was highlighted as a developer already leading the way in embedding solar technology and renewable energy solutions as standard in its homes. The company is also carbon-neutral, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Further information about the redevelopment is available from the Newland Homes website: www.newlandhomes.co.uk/planning.