Dorset CLT moves a step closer with £800,000 funding boost

A new eco-friendly community land trust (CLT) in Bridport moved a step closer after Dorset Council agreed to enter into an £808,855 contract with Homes England.

Bridport Cohousing CLT and Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) will be developing the homes, that will be built by CG Fry with work to begin early next year.

The extra funding will go towards building the 53 new affordable homes in Bridport, which will become one of the largest CLTs in the country.

The homes on offer will be a mix of one-bedroom flats and two to four-bedroom houses and will available for a range of incomes. It is proposed the scheme will offer homes for social rent and shared ownership between 25% and 75% of the open market value.

Due to be named ‘Hazlemead’, the development will be designed to promote a sense of community, providing a large green space for food growing or leisure activities, shared resources such as a children’s playroom, office space and laundry facilities.

Free parking around the perimeter of the development will also be made available to residents. Main streets will be car-free, providing an open space for children to play in.

Rebecca Kirk, Dorset Council corporate director for housing said: ‘We’re really pleased that the Cabinet has agreed the contract to help with the infrastructure for this development. The Bridport Cohousing group have worked very hard to see this development become a reality and are to be commended for their fundraising efforts and determination.

‘We have a big emphasis at Dorset Council to help support and provide community-led housing that brings families and individuals together, and do so in a way that limits the environmental impact. This includes homes that will have solar panels on the roof and communal car-sharing schemes, green energy systems and a market garden.’