UK’s first net zero retirement community gets green light for additional phase

Later living operator and developer, Inspired Villages, has secured reserved matters planning permission to build an additional 111 units at its net zero Millfield Green retirement village in Caddington, Bedfordshire.
The scheme will see the construction of a further 111 apartments and cottages, bringing the total number of homes in the village to 197, including 12 affordable retirement properties, which will support the delivery of much-needed homes for older people in central Bedfordshire.
The first phase of the development, delivered by contractor Willmott Dixon, saw the initial creation of 86 apartments. This also saw the build of a sustainable village centre, including a swimming pool, sauna, gym,  restaurant, bar and café which are also open to the public and leisure members as well as a library, craft room, bike and buggy stores with charging. The village has also recently signed a partnership contract with Helping Hands Home Care to further support residents who have additional care needs so they can age in place.
Millfield Green is the UK’s first net-zero carbon (regulated energy) retirement village and alongside high-quality living and community facilities, the development also benefits from the installation of ground source heat pumps to generate renewable energy, on-site photovoltaics, improved building fabric and insulation and mechanical heat vent recovery units to make it as energy-efficient as possible. EV charging points have been installed in 10% of parking bays, with infrastructure in place to increase it to 100% once demand grows.
Neal Dale, chief development and property officer at Inspired Villages, commented: “We’re delighted to receive approval on reserved matters application for the next phases of Millfield Green. Our community is really starting to take shape here following our first residents moving in last December. It’s not just residents benefiting as the location has not only been popular in terms of interest around its net zero credentials, but the well-being facilities are already supporting the wellbeing of over 100 local residents who have joined as Inspired Leisure members.”
“It’s great to get the green light to grow this village and increase the positive impact of life at Inspired to future residents at Millfield Green and the wider community in Caddington.”
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