02/10/2025 Developments Sustainability Partners Innovation Corporate
The Welsh Government has agreed a contract with Barratt Redrow to deliver the UK’s largest net zero carbon housing development. It is also believed to be one of the biggest in Europe.
The site, known as Cosmeston Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan, will see the delivery of 576 new homes that will achieve net zero carbon through innovative design and technologies.
Net zero housing developments aim to create homes that produce as much energy as they consume, significantly reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
Cardiff University has been appointed to independently assess and verify data that monitors zero carbon performance of the homes.
50% of the homes will be affordable, with 219 set to be available for social rent. The development will also include a new primary school, open space and an active travel route, creating a comprehensive sustainable community.
On a recent visit to the site, the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said: "This landmark development sets a new standard for sustainable housing not only in Wales but across the UK and beyond.
“This isn't just about building homes - it's about creating thriving communities and tackling the climate emergency head-on. Our net zero policy is driving real investment and real change in how we build the homes Wales desperately needs.
"The agreement with Barratt Redrow represents a significant step-change that shows what's possible when we put people and our planet first, and I’m particularly pleased with their commitment to delivering training and apprenticeships, helping to build skills and careers for the next generation."
David Thomas, Chief Executive of Barratt Redrow, said: “As one of the leading housebuilders in Wales we are proud to be working with the Welsh Government to build the largest net zero new community in the UK.
“It will be an exemplar development and a great place to live, with fantastic community facilities, a strong commitment to affordable housing, and cutting-edge sustainability credentials. Every highly energy efficient home will be heated by a ground source heat pump and powered by photovoltaic panels and batteries, cutting carbon and bills for future residents.”
The disposal was managed on behalf of the Welsh Government by international property consultancy Savills. Director of Cardiff Development for Savills, Scott Caldwell, said: “This commitment by Barratt Redrow, the largest PLC housebuilder in the UK, is believed to be the first of its kind at this scale in the UK.
It represents a significant investment and harnesses a raft of industry expertise and knowledge to help demonstrate how delivery standards can be implemented at scale to support the Welsh Government’s journey towards net zero.
“Learning from the Cosmeston journey is expected to help inform how development can deliver to more stringent environmental standards into the future.”
The development partners
Barratt Redrow is the UK’s most recommended homebuilder, making sustainable living a reality and building strong communities. Across our leading brands – Barratt Homes, Barratt London, David Wilson Homes and Redrow – we offer high-quality, energy-efficient homes for every stage of life across England, Scotland and Wales.
Savills has been helping people thrive through places and spaces for over 170 years. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, they have more than 42,000 professionals collaborating across over 70 countries, delivering unrivalled coverage and expertise to the world of commercial and prime residential real estate.
Cardiff University has been appointed by Barratt Redrow to independently assess and verify data that monitors zero carbon performance of homes in use. Barratt Redrow will also sponsor two PhD students at Cardiff University to specialise in sustainable construction.
Cwmpas has supported Barratt Redrow to develop a social value and community engagement strategy for Cosmeston Farm which ensures the local community and stakeholders are engaged through the life of the project. They will provide support to ensure employment, procurement and educational opportunities are sought locally, whilst identifying and forming strategic partnerships with social enterprises within the Vale of Glamorgan to participate in our scheme.
EDP is an award-winning firm with a prominent position as one of Wales’ leading architects and ecology specialists. They have been appointed to support in ecology, landscape design and arboriculture.