The initial phase of the site, known as the Exemplar, in North West Bicester which will form part of a long term vision to provide up to 6,000 sustainable new homes is being prepared by lead developer A2Dominion.
Under this phase some 393 highly energy efficient, zero carbon homes, will be built as part of zero carbon community which will comprise of 40% green space, use cutting edge technology with environmental integrity at its core.
‘A2Dominion is proud to be at the forefront of the country’s first eco town. NW Bicester will be an example to future developments in establishing sustainable new communities in the UK,’ said the firm’s chief commercial officer and deputy group chief executive John Knevett.
‘We will create an outstanding living environment, which will provide exceptional quality of life for residents, without compromising the needs of our future generations,’ he added.
The development will include a primary school, community centre, eco pub and an eco business and retail centre, creating a village feel and providing important social hubs.
A2 Dominion says it is the only eco development in the UK that continues to adhere to the strict Planning Policy Statements (PPS1) originally set out by the government for the delivery of eco towns.
As well as being true zero carbon, all homes will be built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 incorporating triple glazing, rainwater harvesting and water recycling. Properties have been designed to cope with climate change peaks of up to 10 degrees Celsius ensuring they remain warmer in winter but do not overheat during the summer.
The developer also promises dramatic reductions in waste, including zero waste to landfill during construction. The London 2012 Olympics construction site is the only one to have achieved this. The development will retain 40% green space including community allotments to encourage outdoor lifestyles and nurture wildlife and biodiversity. Natural landscaping will be used to create safe play areas.
Also electricity will be generated from PV solar panels on every home, making it the UK’s largest residential solar array capable of generating enough power to supply 550 homes and heat and hot water will come from a combined heat and power plant (CHP). One of the first elements of the scheme to be completed later this year. Excess electricity generated by the CHP will be exported back to the national grid.
With specially designed cycle and pedestrian routes, a bus service within 400 meters of every home with live timetable updates in each house, charging points for electric vehicles and an electric car club, residents will be encouraged to adopt more sustainable modes of travel.
‘NW Bicester is about enabling people to live modern day lifestyles but with traditional values. We want the Exemplar to become a vibrant and resilient community where people know their neighbours,’ said Steve Hornblow, NW Bicester project director at A2Dominion.
‘We’ve designed community space to incorporate communal barbecue areas, herb boxes and seating with features to encourage children to play safely in the street. We want to approach sustainable living realistically, providing people with the tools to benefit from a real community environment, reduced home running costs and access to the latest green technologies,’ he added.
A2Dominion added that it is committed to ensuring that NW Bicester is fully integrated with the wider town and has been working closely with local Bicester businesses and the existing community to achieve this. A community led management organisation will give residents a say in the decisions that affect their local area and community projects have already been implemented to encourage participation and build a strong sense of identity.
The group will continue to have a long term interest in the site as the housing provider of the 119 affordable homes on the Exemplar. These will provide high quality and much needed affordable homes for local residents.
The Exemplar phase has also been internationally recognised having been awarded BioRegional’s One Planet Living status, one of only seven developments in the world to achieve this coveted mark of progress in sustainability.
