The first of 27 brand new zero carbon homes have been unveiled by Newland Homes in Leckhampton, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Local councillors joined Newland Homes to officially celebrate the opening of Pear Trees on Kidnappers Lane, where a collection of zero carbon homes powered by renewable technologies is under construction, in direct response to the climate emergency.

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 homes will be power houses in their own right - creating as much regulated prime energy as they need to run, therefore reducing energy costs and minimising the impact everyday living has on the environment.

The homes emit no net carbon in use, a marked reduction from the 3.6 tonnes of CO2 emitted per annum by the average UK home (according to the HBF Watt a Save report in Feb 2023).

The homes at Pear Trees achieve the highest possible A rating for both energy efficiency and environmental impact, whilst also providing other modern must-haves, such as 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.

Jeremy Drew, developments director for Newland Homes, said: "We have built and sold close to 100 zero carbon homes across the South West in the last 18 months, which is testament to the fact that people want to make more sustainable housing choices.

"As an independent developer, we can create the type of homes that suit a modern lifestyle, which is both mindful and respectful of the environment without compromising on comfort.

"Ribbon cutting ceremonies traditionally symbolise new beginnings and the promise of an exciting future, and our zero carbon homes at Pear Trees are the future."

Cllr Max Wilkinson, cabinet member for economic development, culture, tourism and wellbeing at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "We have set stringent new climate change planning guidance for Cheltenham to raise the environmental standards of new homes built here.

"It's exciting to see developers starting to build properties that meet the challenge, by ditching gas boilers in favour of heat pumps, installing solar panels and embracing energy efficiency.

"I welcome the approach taken by Newland Homes and urge all other developers to raise their game too."

Newland Homes is an independent housebuilder, which began in Cheltenham in 1991, before relocating to Barnwood.

Newland Homes was the first traditional housebuilder in the UK to sign the United Nations Climate Neutral Now Pledge, which is a commitment to measure greenhouse gas emissions, implement means to reduce them, consider offsetting and report progress annually.

The company is on course to achieve at least a 50% reduction in its carbon footprint by the end of 2024. Diesel is no longer used in any of its site construction vehicles, which are instead powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a cleaner and greener alternative. The company has been recognised by Carbon Neutral Britain as a carbon neutral business.

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.