Identifying the energy risks for 27,000 homes that housing developers weren't seeing
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Project NameGarden Community Energy Infrastructure Review
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RoleLead consultant; site reviews, DNO engagement, stakeholder consultation, recommendations
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PartnersWestern Power Distribution (now National Grid Electricity Distribution)
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Funded ByNorth Northamptonshire Council
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LocationSeven sites across North Northamptonshire, including Tresham Garden Village, Rushden East, West Corby, Hanwood Park, Priors Hall Park, Stanton Cross and Glenvale Park
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TimescaleReview conducted March–June 2022; ongoing consultancy support
The Challenge
Seven major Garden Community developments across North Northamptonshire had energy strategies in place – but those strategies were outmoded, having been drafted for a world that no longer exists. Rising EV adoption, the phasing out of gas heating in new homes, and known grid capacity constraints across the area meant existing plans were at serious risk of being inadequate and undeliverable. North Northamptonshire Council needed an independent, expert view of how each site was positioned – and what needed to change.
What we did
On behalf of North Northamptonshire Council, Electric Places conducted a comprehensive review of the energy infrastructure strategies and delivery progress for all seven Garden Community sites, collectively representing over 27,000 new homes. We engaged directly with site promoters, their consultants and planning officers, and held detailed discussions with Western Power Distribution – the local Distribution Network Operator – to identify capacity constraints, risks to viability and opportunities for joined-up solutions across sites.
Our review found consistent patterns: insufficient scenario planning for the impact of EVs and heat pumps on electricity demand; outdated strategies still designed around gas heating; developer reluctance to commit to future-proofing costs; and grid connection constraints with real consequences for scheme economics. We provided site-specific recommendations for each development covering demand forecasting, renewable energy access, peak management and how to avoid costly last-minute grid upgrades. The culminated in the outline for a coordinated ‘master template’ approach for the region.
Outcomes
The review gave North Northamptonshire Council a clear, evidence-based picture of the status of each development and what was needed to ensure the region’s major housing schemes are fit for purpose in a rapidly changing energy landscape. Electric Places continues to provide consultancy support to drive excellence in sustainable energy planning across all Garden Community sites.