Local families from Broadhempston near Totnes in Devon involved in a green housing scheme will be building each other’s homes, two at a time, over the next 12 months. The new and unique self-build scheme for six eco-friendly detached houses is already underway in South Devon.

Local families from Broadhempston, near Totnes, are involved in the scheme and will be building each other’s houses, two at a time, over the next 12 months.

Each home will consist of a structural timber frame and will incorporate straw bales for insulation,

Believed to be the first of its kind in the West Country, the scheme is expected to act as a useful template for people keen on eco self-build and sustainable housing, particularly where communities can justify residential development in rural areas.

Teignbridge Council gave the scheme the green light despite the development being outside the village boundary, as the homes are designed for local people at an affordable price.

Serena Bedford said: “ My family have lived in this area for 100 years and it’s been heart-breaking for us that house prices are too high for us to live here. I want our two boys to grow up in the village I love and now we have finally got a way for that to happen, though it’s been a long and difficult three years to get to this point and we’ve not even started building yet.

“We’re all so excited to finally get started.”

Finding a local landowner prepared to sell the land for this type of development was a key factor of the scheme.

The area of land chosen is big enough to incorporate a simple playground, for use by all of the children in the village.

The ‘green’ homes will be built using eco-friendly materials and high thermal insulation to ensure low running costs. The inclusion of sun rooms means a conventional central heating system may not be necessary even during the winter months.

The self-builders will receive on site supervision on certain aspects of the build, including plumbing and electrics, together with help on other building construction detail.

The Broadhempston Community Land Trust (BCLT) has been formed to oversee the development and manage the financing through a loan from Resonance, a company which provides finance to social enterprises and community led groups.

The occupants will be given a long lease on their houses and then rent to buy option over 25 years. They will receive a 25 per cent equity stake for their efforts on the build, with the option of purchasing up to a further 50 per cent during the term.

The BCLT will retain 25 per cent of the value, ensuring the development remains of benefit to the local community.

It has taken three years for the scheme to reach the build stage but it is hoped similar projects may learn from the experiences of the BCLT and achieve the same result more quickly.

Development has now started, with the ground works under way.

The group are keen to attract voluntary labour during the 12-month build process, particularly from people interested in a starting a similar scheme, helping with the project, or students studying building construction at college or university.

Anyone interested in getting involved can email Sibylle Dowson at gabs.dowson@btinternet.com

Credits:: Herald Express