Council has welcomed the national recognition of the groundbreaking Net Zero Terrace Streets project, after it was featured as a case study in the Government’s newly published Warm Homes Plan
The project, which is being delivered in partnership with Rossendale Valley Energy and a range of local and national organisations, is highlighted in the Plan as an example of how community‑led, place‑based delivery can achieve warmer, healthier and more energy‑efficient homes.
In the plan, Net Zero Terrace Streets is recognised for its innovative whole‑street approach to improving older terraced housing, particularly in lower‑income communities. Unlike traditional home‑by‑home retrofit schemes, the model focuses on working with entire streets and communities, creating a coordinated and long‑term framework for improving energy efficiency, low‑carbon heat, smart systems and local governance. Crucially, households participating in the project face no upfront costs, ensuring the benefits are accessible and fair.
Rossendale Borough Council has played a leading role in the programme, which reflects the aims of its Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, particularly the commitment to partnership working and improving energy efficiency in existing homes across the borough.
Lead Member for Environment at RBC Cllr Adrian Lythgoe said: “This recognition matters because it shows that delivery architecture is finally being taken seriously. We won’t meet our climate or fuel poverty goals by treating homes in isolation. Whole‑street delivery, cooperative governance and trusted local partners are essential if we want scale, trust and value for money.”
Net Zero Terrace Streets is not simply a retrofit programme; it represents a new model for creating local jobs, strengthening supply chains, supporting apprenticeships and keeping economic value within communities. The approach prioritises long‑term relationships with households, working alongside residents before, during and after improvements are made rather than installing measures and moving on. The model has already been demonstrated through three homes in Rossendale, with further areas now preparing to follow as more partners come on board.
Andy Pinches from Rossendale Valley Energy said: “The Warm Homes Plan is a major opportunity. But ambition alone isn’t enough. If we want this investment to deliver real, lasting change, community‑anchored delivery models like Net Zero Terrace Streets need to be supported, scaled and embedded as part of the national approach.”
Rossendale Borough Council said it is proud to see work happening within the Valley recognised on a national stage, particularly as it demonstrates what can be achieved when community organisations, local authorities and residents collaborate.
The Council added that it looks forward to continuing the partnership with Rossendale Valley Energy and others to show how terraced homes, many of which are among the oldest and least efficient in the country, can be transformed in a fair and sustainable way. The programme offers a blueprint for how places across the UK can make a just transition to low‑carbon living.