In a world increasingly attuned to environmental concerns, Newland Homes has emerged as a beacon of sustainable development, recently earning accolades at the Bee Bold Awards. This prestigious event, organised by the West of England Combined Authority and presided over by Mayor Dan Norris, celebrates local endeavours to establish pollinator-friendly environments. Intrigued by Newland Homes’ achievements, I, Tobiasz Karcz, engaged in a dialogue with Lucy Andrews, a project manager at the company, about their lauded development, Great Oaks, situated near Yate in South Gloucestershire.
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Lucy Andrews exuded enthusiasm as she welcomed me to Newland Homes’ office, eager to share insights into the company’s ethos. The conversation quickly revealed how deeply embedded environmental sustainability is in their corporate philosophy, with Great Oaks standing as a prime example of their efforts. “Securing the Space for Nature Award is a significant honour for us,” Lucy noted with pride. “It underscores our dedication to crafting homes that not only serve their inhabitants but also contribute positively to the environment. At Great Oaks, we have redefined the conventional approach to housing development by weaving nature into every facet.”
I was curious to understand what distinguished Great Oaks from other housing projects. Lucy explained that it was the first development in the region to earn a Building with Nature Design Accreditation from the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and the University of the West of England. This recognition highlights their steadfast commitment to upholding ecological integrity throughout the site’s development. “Great Oaks transcends being just a collection of zero-carbon homes,” Lucy elaborated. “It is a community where nature and residents coexist symbiotically. We’ve surpassed policy expectations by establishing 0.45 hectares of informal recreational open space, designed to be functional and beneficial for biodiversity.”
The development features seven new allotments where residents can cultivate their own produce and a play area crafted from natural materials that encourage young minds to engage with their surroundings. As Lucy detailed these initiatives, it became evident that Great Oaks is designed with an eye towards the future, considering both the present residents and the generations to come. I was particularly fascinated by the concept of “hedgehog highways,” which Lucy described as wildlife corridors that form part of their extensive efforts to support local fauna. “We’ve worked diligently to ensure that local wildlife thrives alongside our residents,” she explained. “These corridors allow animals to navigate safely through the development, enhancing biodiversity.”
Our conversation naturally shifted to the energy efficiency of the homes within Great Oaks. Lucy was visibly proud as she described the renewable energy features contributing to the homes’ EPC ‘A’ rating, positioning them as exemplars in reducing environmental impact. “These residences are equipped with solar panels and air source heat pumps instead of traditional gas boilers. It’s about fostering cleaner, greener living and empowering homeowners to significantly diminish their carbon footprints,” she remarked. Moreover, Lucy shared that the development includes a ten-year management plan to ensure the ongoing sustainability of its landscape. “We are committed to nurturing the environment we’ve cultivated here, ensuring it continues to thrive. This long-term vision is essential to preserving the ecological balance we’ve achieved.”
I was keen to understand how the community had responded to this eco-friendly living paradigm. Lucy recounted heartening tales of residents actively engaging with their surroundings, from tending to their allotments to exploring the natural play areas with their children. “It’s immensely gratifying to witness people forging meaningful connections with nature,” she reflected.
As our discussion drew to a close, Lucy emphasised the importance of the Bee Bold Award. “It validates our efforts and serves as a reminder of the transformative impact of thoughtful development,” she asserted. “We aspire for Great Oaks to inspire other developers to prioritise nature in the planning process.” Leaving the interview, I was struck by Newland Homes’ profound commitment to creating sustainable communities. Their recognition at the Bee Bold Awards represents more than just a victory for them; it signifies a considerable step forward for the broader movement towards environmentally conscious living. As Lucy and her team continue to pioneer these initiatives, they set an exemplary standard for future housing developments, demonstrating the remarkable outcomes achievable when nature is placed at the core of the development process.
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