Development name: Brookfield Close

Location: Brentwood

Architect: Norse Group/Hamson Barron Smith

Developer: Brentwood Borough Council

Accommodation type: Residential

This landmark scheme will be constructed to set new benchmarks for sustainable development, not only meeting the demanding requirements of Passivhaus but also by achieving Zero Net Emissions in use. The site will be transformed from derelict garage sites and a former community centre into 61 brand new, modern net-zero-carbon homes, including the complete EnerPHit Passivhaus retrofit of 21 apartments.

Brookfield Close will become the first scheme under Brentwood Borough Council’s Small Sites Affordable Homes Programme, aiming to better utilise land and assets to deliver genuinely affordable homes for local residents on brownfield sites over a 7-year period. The regeneration scheme will provide 70% of the homes for Social Rent.

Planning and Licensing committee chair, Cllr Jon Cloke, said:

“This is a major innovation from the council to provide council housing at a level not seen since the 1940s. The development is being flagged nationally as the way to do a carbon zero development.”

Brookfield Close will feature green infrastructure with community and private green spaces, an outdoor gym, water feature, children’s play areas and allotments – which all contribute dramatically to individual and community wellbeing.