Eco-homes praised by West Dorset MP at opening event

One of the UK’s largest cohousing projects to date has been praised for successfully addressing the demand for affordable properties in Dorset.

The new development, which is comprised of 53 sustainable, affordable eco-homes, celebrated a milestone on Monday at an event evented by MP for West Dorset, Chris Loder; the Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Dave Bolwell and many other stakeholders who brought the flagship housing development to life. 

Whilst the development, which is known as Hazelmead, was praised for providing sustainable properties, it’s ground-breaking design was also congratulated.

South West-based charitable housing association (BCHA) is delivering 39 homes of which 26 will be for social rent and 13 for shared ownership, starting with a 25% share. Following this, Bridport Cohousing is delivering an additional 14 homes for shared equity with an 80% share.

The new homes benefit from clean, green electricity generated by a site-wide, solar-powered microgrid with hot water provided by air source heat pumps – providing inspiration for developers nationwide who are striving to create sustainable housing schemes in response to the climate emergency.

Homes that have been constructed on the new development include timber frames, which have been largely promoted since the tragedy of Grenfell and since they produce less global emissions, with green-fingered residents already growing fresh, organic food at the site’s flourishing community gardens. 

Chris Loder, MP described the celebration of Hazelmead as ‘the culmination of 15 years of incredibly hard work’ that transformed the vision of Bridport Cohouisng into reality.

Cllr Chris said: ‘I remember coming here a few years ago and it was little more than a field. The development is a real testament to everyone who worked so hard on this project.

‘The homes at Hazelmead are very special for many reasons. One of the really important aspects of community land trusts is they afford the opportunity for homes and housing for people who live or work locally, who might otherwise not have had the opportunity to have their own home.’

Cllr Jane Somper, portfolio holder for people – adult social care, health and housing at Dorset Council, told guests at the celebration event that Bridport is one of the areas in Dorset with the highest demand for affordable homes.

Cllr Jane said: ‘Across the county, there are more than 4,800 households on the housing register. This is why Dorset Council was keen to support this exciting and ambitious project and provide grant funding towards the land purchase.

‘It’s important that partners continue to work together to develop more affordable homes. This scheme demonstrates how, as a progressive local authority, we can adopt a flexible approach and encourage innovation.

‘It’s good to see well-designed homes built to such a high standard and by approaching housing in an imaginative way, we can increase the sustainability of areas like Bridport so people can live, work and thrive.’

Image: Dorset Council