Sustainable housing developer partners with Crown Estate on Knutsford scheme

Ancoats-based sustainable developer, igloo Regeneration, is partnering with The Crown Estate to launch an innovative housing demonstration project in Knutsford, Cheshire, featuring 60 sustainable homes.
The project, which is part of a wider group of housing demonstration projects, includes 200 homes across three projects in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cheshire.
The site in Knutsford will deliver 60 homes, 30% of which will be affordable, along with exploring surrounding low-carbon infrastructure.
The developments aim to explore innovative approaches to building sustainable and inclusive homes, with the Knutsford site specifically addressing the growing housing needs in the North West.
B Corp, igloo, was behind successful developments including Ouseburn Valley in Nottingham, Dundashill community in Glasgow, and the Oakfield housing scheme in Swindon.
Each of the Crown Estate’s demonstration projects has ambitious targets, including achieving upfront embodied carbon levels of less than 300kg CO₂/m² and operational energy use intensity of 35kWh/m²/year, while also achieving a 15% biodiversity net gain.
By collaborating with partners such as gs8 (Bedfordshire), TOWN (Hertfordshire), and igloo, The Crown Estate is taking an holistic approach that goes beyond just construction.
CGI of igloo’s Knutsford scheme
The projects will explore new ideas, materials, and construction methods, while engaging local communities in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods. The insights and learnings from these demonstration projects aim to inspire broader change across the housing sector.
Joe Broadley, Regional Development Director at igloo, said: “Our selection as a partner for The Crown Estate’s innovative housing demonstration projects marks a pivotal moment for our journey as an innovator in development and the future of housing in the UK, reimagining what it means to live sustainably, healthily and happily.
“For us, the opportunity to create 60 sustainable homes in Knutsford isn’t just about building houses, it’s about crafting a replicable blueprint for low-carbon, high quality living.”
He added: “Through innovative low carbon design, renewable energy integration, and a commitment to community collaboration and formation, our Knutsford development for The Crown Estate will embody the principles we’ve held dear for over two decades.
“It will serve as a tangible expression of how housing can be sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready.”
Rob Chesworth, Head of Strategic Land at The Crown Estate, said: “The UK’s housing sector desperately needs more innovation if it is to deliver the quality, affordable homes that the current and future UK population needs.
“These housing demonstration projects are an opportunity for us to test innovative approaches to sustainable design and help us understand how to scale up across the country.
“By partnering with the likes of gs8, igloo and TOWN – all of which have proven track records in this space – we are confident that we can play a key role in addressing some of the UK’s significant housing and environmental challenges, while setting new standards for the development of thriving, sustainable communities.”