Greencore Homes has exchanged contracts on a 13.9-acre residential development site in Puckeridge, East Hertfordshire, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and its first development in the district. 

The site, promoted by Wates Group, benefits from existing outline planning consent for 91 new homes. Greencore Homes will submit a Reserved Matters planning application by summer 2026.

Located to the south of Puckeridge, north of Standon Hill, the development forms part of East Hertfordshire Council’s wider strategy to deliver much-needed housing across the district. As of October 2025, average house prices in East Hertfordshire stood at £459,000 – around 70% higher than the UK average – underlining the growing need for high-quality, sustainable and affordable homes in the area.

Better Than Net Zero homes, built with natural materials

All homes at the Puckeridge development will be delivered to Greencore’s Better Than Net Zero standard, using ultra-low embodied carbon construction and natural materials. The homes will be built using Greencore’s closed-panel timber system and designed to achieve a net energy balance across the development.

Each home will be EPC-A rated and designed to Passivhaus standards, combining excellent thermal performance, low running costs and high levels of comfort. Renewable energy will be integrated across the site, including optimally sized photovoltaic panels to support low-carbon living from day one.

A well-connected village location

The site is located within a 14-minute walk of Puckeridge village centre and offers easy access to local amenities by foot, bike or bus. Puckeridge sits approximately six miles west of Bishop’s Stortford and 10 miles north of Hertford, making it well suited to professionals and young families.

For commuters, Stevenage station provides direct rail connections to London King’s Cross in around 24 minutes, offering strong connectivity to both London and Cambridge.

Leadership comments

Laura Stone, Chief Operating Officer at Greencore Homes, said:

“Our aim at Greencore Homes is to become the blueprint for Better Than Net Zero development. Homes can, and should, be better for people, places and planet from the start of construction.

With an ambition to deliver 10,000 Better Than Net Zero homes by 2035, the exchange on this site in Puckeridge brings us one step closer to achieving that goal. The 91 homes we will deliver here will be healthy, comfortable and cost-effective for residents, while contributing meaningfully to the transition towards a zero-carbon future.”

Oliver Luard, Partnerships and Investment Director at Greencore Homes, added:

Project team

The site was promoted by Wates Group, with Forsters acting as legal adviser to Greencore Homes. The landowner’s sales agents were Strutt & Parker, with legal advice provided by Birketts and DAC Beachcroft.