The partnership will embrace Bioregional Homes’ One Planet Living principles  – using sustainable materials and modern methods of construction.

Future developments will comprise a mix of market-sale housing and discounted market-sale homes, so local people can afford to buy somewhere to live in their area.

The JV will aim to widen access to home ownership by ensuring that reduced house prices are protected permanently through community governance structures.

Andy Hill, Chief Executive, Hill Group, said: “This is a very exciting move for Hill as we continue to evolve the way we deliver homes for the future.

“We look forward to focusing on a number of already identified projects with Bioregional Homes.

“We are also keen to develop a range of inspirational house types which will be energy efficient and reflect One Planet Living principles.”

Bioregional is a sustainability charity and social enterprise founded more than 25 years ago.

It was involved with the pioneering BedZED ecovillage in South London and One Brighton.

Sue Riddlestone, chief executive, Bioregional Homes, said: “We are delighted to be working with Hill and have been very impressed with their ethos, aspirations and strong capability as house builders.

“Together with Hill, we want to show that beautiful, affordable, net zero carbon development can be done.

“Right now, the global pandemic is occupying our minds and threatening lives and livelihoods. But the climate crisis, the ecological crisis, and the housing crisis have not gone away. We need to achieve a net zero carbon economy within the next 10 years – which means all new homes must be net zero from now.

“At the same time, we want to create homes that are genuinely affordable to local people on local salaries. We are keen to engage with local communities to get this right, and to make sure that any houses that get built will contribute to making their neighbourhoods better.”