Work officially commenced yesterday on England's first large-scale zero carbon development at Hanham Hall near Bristol.

Start on site was marked by the arrival of key construction workers along with portable site offices and construction equipment.

This follows completion of the formal contractual commitments and planning permissions between the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the national housing and regeneration agency for England; and Barratt Developments PLC; and South Gloucestershire Council.


Welcoming the start on site, Robert Napier, Chairman of the HCA said: "In the current economic climate, it is even more important that we take steps towards achieving a low carbon future. This milestone marks real progress for Hanham Hall, which will help people to live more sustainable lifestyles and provide homes that are attractive, affordable and extremely energy efficient."

The development will be the first created as part of the government's Carbon Challenge initiative, which aims to help the housebuilding industry fast track a number of developments that significantly reduce the impact on the environment; provide important lessons for delivering low carbon development; and encourage people to live more sustainable lifestyles.

(CD/KMcA)