Treveth Completes Low Carbon Housing Development at Gwel Basset, Redruth

Treveth has announced the completion of its flagship low carbon housing scheme in Redruth, with all 185 homes at Gwel Basset now occupied.

The development, located in the Tolgus area of Redruth and delivered in partnership with Vistry South West, is the Cornish developer’s first residential scheme built to its own sustainable Design Guide. It is also one of the largest residential projects in the UK designed to achieve whole-life carbon emissions targets set for 2030.

Meeting Cornwall’s Housing Need

Gwel Basset has brought a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes for people who live, work or have family connections in the area. None of the properties are second homes.

The breakdown includes:

• 84 privately rented homes

• 28 sold on the open market

• 26 rented as affordable housing

• 12 bought under Shared Ownership

• 35 homes provided for Cornwall Council under a mix of tenures

The scheme also marked a major milestone for Treveth, delivering its 250th open market rental home.

Dulcie Paleschi, Head of Residential Portfolio Management at Treveth, said:

“We’re delighted to announce the completion of Gwel Basset, our market leading low carbon site. It’s a significant milestone for Treveth as it is our first large new homes site that has been built under our own design and sustainability manual, and it’s rewarding for the team to see all homes now occupied. Reaching our 250th open market rental home here at Gwel Basset is another proud marker for us, showing the real difference we are making in delivering quality rental homes for local people. We’ve successfully brought much needed new homes to people who really need them.

“It’s our mission to play a part in shaping Cornwall’s communities and places positively, which includes improving the quality of new homes in the volatile private rented sector. With the majority of homes at Gwel Basset privately rented, we’ve completed the mission we set out to achieve and will continue to provide homes for Cornwall across our future sites.”

Peter Sadler, Managing Director at Vistry South West, added:

“Gwel Basset is a landmark development for Cornwall, and a shining example of what can be achieved through strong partnership. Working alongside Treveth, we’ve delivered 185 high-quality, low-carbon homes that reflect our shared commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and community. Together, we’re setting a bold new standard for housing in the South West.”

📷Gwel Basset devolpment. Redruth by © exposure photo agency

Building a Low Carbon Future

The scheme has already secured a prestigious industry award, recognising it as a market leading low carbon estate housing scheme.

All homes have been benchmarked against the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) 2030 Climate Challenge, with RIBA confirming that Gwel Basset’s design meets net zero science-based targets for 2030.

Sustainable features include:

• Air source heat pumps and solar panels

• No fossil fuel heating

• LED lighting throughout

• High levels of insulation in floors, walls and roofs

• Locally sourced materials including Cornish air-cured concrete blocks

• Timber frames from certified sources

The neighbourhood also provides cycle storage, green public spaces, allotments, edible planting and strong connections to local walking, cycling and public transport routes.

Residents Share Their Experience

Daniel and Bryony, who now live at Gwel Basset, said:

“We’re really pleased and happy with our new home. The location is perfect for us as when our daughter grows up, she’ll be opposite the secondary school and a ten-minute walk away from the town and train station. It also meant a lot to us that the site we are on is for local people and what we would class as affordable.”

Another resident, Mr Zorba, praised the energy efficiency of his new home:

“The air source heat panels are a bonus. Our energy cost is already 50% of what we used to pay.”

📷Gwel Basset devolpment. Redruth by © exposure photo agency

A Cornish Company With Big Plans

Founded by Cornwall Council in 2019, Treveth is based in Truro and employs 40 people. The company’s current residential sites include Park Lanneves, Bodmin; Hwel Kan, Blackwater; and Hedhas Dowr, Trevemper.

Several new developments are in progress, including Penwinnick Road, St Austell; Treyew Road, Truro; Coinagehall Street, Penzance; Hedhas Tewynnow, Connor Downs; and Gwel an Pras, Newquay.