<p>Inspired Villages has begun on site at what it says will be the UK’s first net zero retirement community, in Caddington, central Bedfordshire.</p> <p><span>Legal &amp; General, of which Inspired Living is a later living homes division, said the scheme, Millfield Green, would also be the group’s first operationally net zero carbon development. </span></p><p><span>Delivered over four phases, it will consist of 200 “age-appropriate” homes and feature onsite photovoltaics, electric vehicle charging, mechanical heat ventilation recovery units and enhanced building fabric and insulation.</span></p><p></p> <p><span>Kensa Group, a business L&amp;G took a </span><span>36%</span><span> </span><span>stake in last year, will supply ground source heat pumps throughout the scheme. The development, which will be constructed by Willmott Dixon, will have a gross development value of £120 million.</span></p><p></p> <p><span>The financial services giant said the net zero approach to the scheme would have a “positive long term impact” on running costs, protecting home owners from future energy cost rises. It cited U-Switch research which revealed that 40% of over-65s said they could only afford their energy bills if they reduced spending elsewhere.</span></p><p></p> <p><span>Millfield Green would also address the undersupply of retirement housing across the country, L&amp;G added. The scheme will include a restaurant, café, wellness centre, library and cinema …