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Barratt Redrow is set to deliver the UK’s largest net-zero carbon housing development.
With 576 new homes, a new primary school, open space, community buildings, mixed-use retail and an active travel route, the Cosmeston Farm scheme will also be one of the biggest net-zero residential projects in Europe.
Set across 22 hectares of open pasture and arable land on the southern edge of Penarth, 50 per cent of the homes will be affordable, with 219 set to be available for social rent.
Each home will be heated by a ground source heat pump and powered by photovoltaic panels and batteries.
Outline planning permission was approved in March 2024, and the site was recently visited by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant. She said: “This landmark development sets a new standard for sustainable housing not only in Wales but across the UK and beyond.
“This isn't just about building homes - it's about creating thriving communities and tackling the climate emergency head-on. Our net zero policy is driving real investment and real change in how we build the homes Wales desperately needs.”
Cardiff University will independently assess and verify data that monitors the zero-carbon performance of the homes. Barratt Redrow will also sponsor two PhD students at Cardiff University to specialise in sustainable construction.
Director of Cardiff Development for Savills, Scott Caldwell, said: “This commitment by Barratt Redrow, the largest PLC housebuilder in the UK, is believed to be the first of its kind at this scale in the UK.
“It represents a significant investment and harnesses a raft of industry expertise and knowledge to help demonstrate how delivery standards can be implemented at scale to support the Welsh Government’s journey towards net-zero.
“Learning from the Cosmeston journey is expected to help inform how development can deliver to more stringent environmental standards into the future.”
Picture: a CGI showing a view of the proposed development, with houses, a school, a children's play area and extensive greenery. Image Credit: Austin-Smith:Lord
Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 07 October 2025
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