World’s First Zero-Carbon Student Village Gets Green Light in Falmouth

In a landmark move for sustainable development, Verto, a leading sustainable property developer, has been granted planning permission to construct the world’s first zero-carbon student community in Falmouth. The innovative Halo Village will not only provide state-of-the-art accommodation for over 1,800 students but will also play a key role in helping the UK achieve its net-zero carbon emissions targets.

Meeting the Needs of a Growing Student Population

Falmouth’s student population has seen rapid growth, particularly at the Tremough Campus in Penryn, shared by both Exeter and Falmouth universities. This surge has placed significant pressure on the local housing market, with Falmouth now having over five times more Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) than any other town in Cornwall. The problem is set to intensify, as the universities are targeting ambitious expansion by 2030.

The Halo Village project will address this issue by providing 1,858 beds in a variety of accommodation styles:

• 1,858 en-suite and studio bed spaces
• 42 clustered apartment blocks
• 273 bed spaces within 25 townhouses
• 97 wheelchair-accessible units

This substantial addition of student housing is expected to free up hundreds of private homes currently occupied by students, making these properties available for local working families and easing the housing shortage in the area.

A Hub of Sustainable Living and Community Amenities

Halo Village is designed to be a vibrant community hub, offering amenities for both students and local residents. In addition to housing, the development will feature:

• A new doctor’s surgery
• Leisure facilities
• Innovation and business start-up units
• A pub, restaurant, café, and hot food takeaway
• A children’s day nursery
• Retail units
• A budget-friendly hotel with 48 beds

The village will also be equipped with sustainable transport infrastructure, including ample parking spaces, super-fast EV chargers—some of the first in Cornwall—and a ‘Park and Change’ facility for daily commuters.

A Pioneering Zero-Carbon Development

Halo Village sets a new benchmark for environmental sustainability. The entire project is designed to be zero-carbon, both in terms of operational and embodied carbon, which is the carbon footprint associated with the construction process itself. This means that once completed, the development will not only operate without contributing to carbon emissions but will also offset any emissions produced during its construction.

Verto has collaborated with Cornwall Council and expert ecologists to ensure that the development also enhances local biodiversity. The project will create a net gain in habitats of over 35 per cent, demonstrating a commitment to preserving and enhancing the local environment.

Significant Economic Impact

The economic impact of Halo Village is set to be substantial. The project is projected to add over £100 million in gross value to the local economy during its construction and operational phases. Additionally, it will create more than 1,550 construction jobs over the build period, with a further 350 permanent jobs once the village is fully operational.

Overcoming Planning Challenges and Moving Forward

The journey to obtaining planning permission has not been without its challenges. Verto first acquired the site in 2019 and has since worked closely with the local community, Cornwall’s Design Review Panel, and planning officers to refine the project. Initial planning permission was refused last year due to local councillors’ concerns, but after further consultations and revisions, the project was granted approval. Construction is now set to begin in October 2024.

Andy West, Head of Land and Planning at Verto, expressed his pride in the project, describing it as “groundbreaking and revolutionary.” Richard Pearce and Tom Carr, co-founders of Verto, emphasised the importance of this development in providing much-needed student accommodation while also delivering new community amenities and contributing to environmental sustainability.

Halo Village is poised to become a model for future sustainable developments, proving that zero-carbon construction is not only possible but necessary in addressing the climate crisis and supporting growing communities.