A sustainable housing development in Kibworth Beauchamp has been completed, marking the first in the Harborough district to be verified as net zero.
The development at Sidings Yard on Station Street includes six one-bed apartments and four two-bedroom bungalows.
Developer Clarity Midlands Limited worked with Harborough District Council’s planning team to produce an energy efficiency strategy to guide net zero measures in each home.
The properties generate as much renewable energy as occupants need and have the latest energy efficiency features. These include solar panels that generate electricity for the homes with the ability to sell surplus energy back to the national grid, batteries that store surplus energy to be used when it is needed, smart technology that adapts to the occupants’ use of energy to automatically turn the heating, lighting and hot water on and off as needed, infrared heating panels and underfloor heating that reduce energy consumption and costs, electric vehicle charging facilities using electricity drawn from the solar panels, and a plant room with independent batteries and inverters for each apartment.
Cllr Simon Galton, cabinet lead on planning, said: “Our planning team worked closely with the developer to transform a brownfield site in the heart of the village to a development of net zero homes.
“The high standards achieved at Sidings Yard reflect our commitment to addressing the climate emergency through our planning services and I congratulate all involved in delivering this achievement. I also feel this raises the bar for developers across the district and shows what can be achieved by innovative thinking and close collaboration.
“It’s through this kind of approach that we can make a real contribution to addressing the climate emergency. I hope more developers are inspired to emulate the excellent example set at Sidings Yard.”
Although individual net zero properties have been built in Harborough district before, Sidings Yard is believed to be the first multi-property development to achieve this status.
Approval was given for the development by the council’s Planning Committee in May 2024. A derelict house and outbuildings were demolished to make way for the new properties.
