Net zero first for new homes in Kibworth Beauchamp

The development at Sidings Yard on Station Street in Kibworth Beauchamp includes six one-bed apartments and four two-bedroom bungalows.

It was completed in late August (2025) and the first residents moved in during the second week of September.

Developer Clarity Midlands Limited worked with Harborough District Council’s planning team to produce an energy efficiency strategy to guide net zero measures in each home.

The properties generate as much renewable energy as its occupants need and have the latest energy efficiency features. These include:

• Solar panels that generate electricity for the homes with the ability to sell surplus energy back to the national grid
• Batteries that store surplus energy to be used when it is needed
• Smart technology that adapts to the occupants’ use of energy to automatically turn the heating, lighting and hot water on and off as needed
• Infrared heating panels and underfloor heating that reduce energy consumption and costs
• Electric vehicle charging facilities using electricity drawn from the solar panels
• A plant room with independent batteries and inverters for each apartment

Cllr Simon Galton, Cabinet lead on planning, said: “Our planning team worked closely with the developer to transform a brownfield site in the heart of the village to a development of net zero homes.

“The high standards achieved at Sidings Yard reflect our commitment to addressing the climate emergency through our planning services and I congratulate all involved in delivering this achievement. I also feel this raises the bar for developers across the district and shows what can be achieved by innovative thinking and close collaboration.

“It’s through this kind of approach that we can make a real contribution to addressing the climate emergency. I hope more developers are inspired to emulate the excellent example set at Sidings Yard.”

Four properties are now occupied and a further two are reserved, with one bungalow and three apartments remaining available for sale, as of early November.

Although individual net zero properties have been built in Harborough district before, Sidings Yard is believed to be the first multi-property development to achieve this status.

Approval was given for the development by the council’s Planning Committee in May 2024. A derelict house and outbuildings were demolished to make way for the new properties.

Engagement with the parish council was maintained throughout the lifecycle of the project. The net zero status of the properties has been independently verified.

Net zero means the properties produce as much clean energy as they use over the course of a year, so overall carbon emissions are effectively zero.