Net zero retirement village in Caddington gets green light to expand

Planning permission has been granted to build an additional 111 units at Millfield Green retirement village in Caddington.

The scheme will increase the number of apartments and cottages to 197 and include 12 affordable retirement properties to meet demand in Central Bedfordshire.

The first phase of the development – which costs £31million overall – created 86 apartments along with a sustainable village centre, swimming pool, sauna, gym, restaurant, bar and café which are also open to the public. Leisure facilities as well as a library, craft room, bike and buggy stores were also added. The village has also recently signed partnership contract with Helping Hands Home Care to further support residents who have additional care needs.

Millfield Green is the UK’s first net-zero carbon (regulated energy) retirement village and alongside high-quality living and community facilities, the development also benefits from the installation of ground source heat pumps to generate renewable energy, on site photovoltaics, improved building fabric and insulation, and mechanical heat vent recovery units to make it as energy-efficient as possible. Electric vehicle charging points have been installed in 10% of parking bays – with infrastructure in place to increase it to 100% once demand grows.

The project is being delivered by Inspired Villages and contractor Willmott Dixon.