Members of the Potter Raper team attended the Constructing Excellence Essex Awards on Wednesday 15 April, joining organisations from across the region to recognise excellence in innovation, collaboration and sustainable delivery.
We entered the Hart Road, Thundersley scheme into the Sustainability category, where it was shortlisted, a reflection of the commitment from Legal & General Affordable Homes and the full project team to delivering practical, scalable Net Zero Carbon homes. While it didn’t win the award on the day, it was fantastic to see the scheme recognised among other standout low‑carbon developments and to celebrate the sector’s achievements.
About the Hart Road Development
Now fully complete, Hart Road delivers 44 new homes in Thundersley, Essex, providing a mix of shared ownership and affordable rent. As one of Legal & General Affordable Homes’ early schemes, it plays an important role in establishing their long‑term approach to delivering high‑quality, sustainable housing.
The project transforms a former single dwelling with stables, outbuildings and a paddock into a modern residential neighbourhood. The existing structures were demolished to make way for the new homes, alongside new community amenities including a playground and allotment area for residents.
A Net Zero Carbon scheme
Hart Road has been designed to achieve Net Zero Carbon in operation, supported by a fabric‑first approach and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Key sustainable features include:
- Closed panel timber frame construction, fabricated off site and delivered with pre‑installed windows
- Air source heat pumps providing efficient, low‑carbon heating
- Photovoltaic panels installed on all homes
- Reduced embodied carbon, site waste and transport impacts through MMC
- Improved build quality and programme certainty through off‑site manufacture
These measures ensure the homes are energy‑efficient, low‑carbon and cost‑effective to run for future residents.
Our Role
Potter Raper was appointed as Quantity Surveyor, Employer’s Agent and Clerk of Works, supporting the project from early feasibility through to completion. Our services included:
- Pre‑contract cost consultancy
- Procurement and tender advice
- Preparation of tender documentation
- Post‑contract cost management and contract administration
- Ongoing design and cost review with the client, designers and supply chain
Our involvement ensured that cost, programme and quality were managed in parallel with the client’s Net Zero Carbon objectives.
Key Challenges and Added Value
Achieving Net Zero Carbon presented early cost challenges, with the enhanced specification carrying a premium compared with traditional construction. During the pre‑contract stages, we:
- Provided regular, market‑informed cost updates
- Identified opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or sustainability
- Reviewed design changes as more site information became available
- Advised on potential cost increases and developed mitigation strategies
This collaborative approach helped maintain the project’s viability while ensuring the sustainability ambitions were fully realised.
We are proud to have played a part in bringing this scheme to completion and to have supported Legal & General Affordable Homes and the project team in delivering sustainable, high‑quality homes for the community.
If you are planning a new development or require support on your own scheme, our team would be happy to assist. Please get in touch to discuss how we can help – https://potterraper.co.uk/contact/
