The firm has been granted planning consent to demolish and redevelop a former highways depot into a mixed-tenure development where homes will be delivered with high environmental credentials and designed to meet net zero carbon status.

The new homes will not be connected to the gas network and will instead be equipped with energy-efficient insulation and heated by a low-carbon heating source such as an air source heat pump together with solar PV panels.

Steven Gregory, Regional Director at Equans, said: “We’re delighted that planning permission has been awarded for this exciting scheme as it’s our first 100% in-use zero carbon homes project.

“All stakeholders have worked collaboratively and enthusiastically to move this scheme on and I can’t wait for it to get underway.”

The scheme will be undertaken with Equans as the lead contractor, in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Torus.

Demolition will start next month and the build is anticipated to complete in May 2025.