Eco-Village moves a step closer

A new eco-village on the outskirts of Plymouth - which will provide jobs and homes and is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK - is moving a step closer to reality.

Bickleigh Down, which off Tavistick Road and can be accessed from Towerfield Drive, is the name of the planned development of 91 sustainable homes (including affordable homes), and will provide 33 local jobs.

The land, which was previously owned by Plymouth City Council, has now been sold to developer CornerstoneZED. Zero C, a subsidiary of Places for People, will be delivering the project.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “We are very excited about this new development which will not only provide eco-friendly homes to a very high spec, but will provide valuable and much needed jobs.

“The development has been in the planning stages for some time but now that we have sold the land to CornerstoneZED working with Places for People, the project can really get going, which is fantastic news.”

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Cooperatives and Housing for Plymouth City Council, said: “Once again this shows Plymouth is at the forefront of providing modern, energy efficient, affordable housing for local people and we are delighted that this scheme is now moving forward.

“This unique project will be the UK’s first large scale, zero carbon community that delivers direct economic benefits with sustainable jobs.”

Kim Slowe, Managing Director of Zero C said: “We are very pleased to be bringing our design and sustainability experience to Bickleigh. We are very confident that this exceptional scheme will deliver very high quality sustainable homes that people will enjoy living in for many years to come.”

Construction is due to start in earnest this Spring and the project is expected to take three years to complete, with the first homes available in the Spring of next year.