Housebuilder Newland Homes welcomed Alex Chalk, MP for Cheltenham, to tour its zero carbon development in Leckhampton.

Mr Chalk was taken behind the scenes by Chris Parker, head of marketing, and Tom Sheppard, planning director.

It was a chance for him to look at the renewable technologies transforming the way modern homes are designed and run, in direct response to the climate emergency declared by Cheltenham Borough Council in 2019.

Twenty-seven zero carbon homes are being built by Newland Homes at Pear Trees on Kidnappers Lane.

Each of the five-bedroomed, detached homes boasts solar panels which convert sunlight into energy. Homes have been orientated to maximise solar gain and the energy generated by the solar panels is used to help power the home's air source heat pump (ASHP), which extracts warmth from outside air to heat water for underfloor heating, radiators and hot water, in place of a traditional gas boiler.

The result is that the homes create as much energy as a family would typically need, reducing energy costs and minimising the impact of everyday living on the environment.

Alex Chalk MP said: "I was delighted to visit this modern and impressive development. It is great to see a local business providing much needed homes, whilst safeguarding the environment."

The homes at Pear Trees achieve the highest possible 'A' rating for both energy efficiency and environmental impact, whilst also providing a range of other modern must-haves, including open-plan living spaces, snugs and boot rooms. Seven of the properties also benefit from a multifunctional home office garden room.

Nine affordable zero carbon properties have been built in conjunction with Cheltenham Borough Homes as part of the development.

Chris Parker, head of marketing at Newland Homes, said: "Homeowners are demanding a green housing revolution, as they want to play their role in the fight against climate change. The zero carbon homes at Pear Trees have proven extremely popular and many new residents are already settled in their new houses.

"Developments such as this show that, with vision and commitment, housebuilders can build highly energy efficient housing with a low environmental impact."

Newland Homes is an independent housebuilder, which started in Cheltenham in 1991, and is now based in Barnwood.

Another of Newland Homes' zero carbon schemes, St George's Mead in Wiltshire, has just been recognised in the WhatHouse? Awards 2023 as Best Sustainable Development. These awards are known as the Oscars of the housebuilding industry, and Newland Homes was praised for its robust approach to climate change and its carbon neutral agenda.

Prices start from £1.1million at Pear Trees in Leckhampton and tailor-made viewings are available daily between 11am to 5pm, seven days a week. Call 01242 350380 to book a tour. For further information and to view the homes available online, visit www.newlandhomes.co.uk/leckhampton or follow Newland Homes on socials @newlandhomes.