South Cerney regeneration takes shape

The first residents have now moved into their new homes at Berkeley Close in South Cerney, marking a key milestone in the delivery of a £26m regeneration project being built by Gloucestershire contractor E G Carter & Co Ltd.

Working in partnership with Bromford Flagship LiveWest (BFL), E G Carter & Co Ltd are delivering 84 modern, energy-efficient homes to replace 56 outdated properties and 21 garages in the Cotswold village. The first completed homes are now being handed over to ‘returners’ – residents who previously lived at Berkeley Close before the original 1960s homes were demolished.

The new homes are among the most sustainable delivered through the partnership to date. Each property has solar panels, battery storage, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers, achieving an EPC A rating. The battery storage also allows energy generated by the solar panels to be stored and used later, helping residents reduce household bills.

Amanda Swann, regional director for new homes at BFL, said: “The families moving back in left their old homes trusting that what we’d build for them would be worth the wait, and I think when they walk through the door, they’ll see that it was.

“The standard of these homes is outstanding, and a lot of that comes down to the strong working relationship we’ve built with EG Carter. These are among the most sustainable homes we’ve ever delivered, and I’m incredibly proud of what has been achieved here.”

The development includes a mix of one- and two-bedroom bungalows and flats, alongside one- to four-bedroom houses. Of the 84 homes, 65 will be available for rent and 19 for shared ownership, helping to meet strong local demand for affordable housing in the area.

The first phase of construction remains on track for completion in September, with the second phase due to begin later this year.

Mathew Vye, residential director at E G Carter & Co Ltd, said: “This is an important milestone for Berkeley Close and, most importantly, for the families who are now able to move into high-quality new homes.

“Working closely with Bromford Flagship LiveWest, we have focused on delivering homes that are not only high quality, but also future-proofed, highly energy efficient and designed to support long-term sustainable living.

“We are proud to be playing our part in regenerating this community and delivering homes that will make a lasting difference to residents’ lives.”

Councillor Juliet Layton, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and planning at Cotswold District Council, said: “These new homes at Berkeley Close demonstrate exactly what we are striving for as a council: high-quality social housing that is sustainable and built for the future.

“By prioritising energy efficiency and low-carbon design, we are ensuring that residents benefit from warmer homes, lower bills and a more sustainable community for years to come.”