Cornish developer Verto has lodged detailed plans for a “world first” zero-carbon student village of 1,858 beds in Penvose, Falmouth.
Verto has upgraded the scheme to meet a zero-carbon target, following outline approval under its previous owner in September 2018.
Proposals include retail and leisure facilities. It will include a dedicated student hub on the edge of town site close to Falmouth University.
The building will incorporate a range of sustainable measures, including super-insulation, solar panels, air-source or ground-source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation and green living rooftops.
Andy West, head of land and planning at Verto, said: “At the heart of the scheme is the principle that energy is created sustainably and consumed efficiently.
“Any carbon emitted during the construction phase will be reduced as far as possible and the balance offset through a series of measures. For example, we will be planting over 2,000 trees across the site – more than one tree per student bedspace, that will serve to absorb 44.5 tonnes of CO2 per year.”
Verto has been building zero-carbon homes for more than a decade. The local developer is currently developing the clubhouse facilities at Falmouth Golf Club. The Penvose scheme will be its first PBSA development.
West added: “During the pandemic we have seen reports of an increasing number of students feeling isolated, away from home and friends, often living in below-par accommodation.
“We believe that by creating a village environment with first-class accommodation and facilities, we can help foster a new student community and alleviate some of these issues.”
To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@eg.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @EGPropertyNews
