Homebaked CLT gets green light for 9 new homes in Liverpool

The Liverpool-based community land trust (CLT) Homebaked has been granted planning permission to redevelop an Edwardian terrace of 9 properties in the city.

Homebaked CLT, who runs the popular co-op bakery on the same street as the buildings, will refurbish them into eight modern homes, three new business units and an extension to the bakery.

The CLT says the main driver of the project is to keep future tenants’ energy bills low and their homes warm and healthy.

All of the homes will benefit from natural sunlight, south facing windows, individual winter gardens and private outdoor space as well as communal areas for socialising and play.

The terrace on Oakfield Road is owned by Liverpool City Council and has been vacant as a result of the Housing Market Renewal Initiative.

Residents have spent the last six months working with Homebaked CLT to develop plans for its revival with architects URBED, attending drop-ins and workshops. Independent trust Power to Change and the Homes England Community-Led Homes Fund provided the funding for the feasibility process behind the development.

Angela McKay, Homebaked CLT co-founder and local resident, said: ‘It is great to see these lovely houses being given a new lease of life. They had been earmarked for demolition since the days of the Housing Market Renewal Initiative.

‘Back then, residents who lived and grew up in this area were often left with no choice but to sell and the community risked being forgotten. Now we are rebuilding what still is a vibrant, diverse community with a real desire in reshaping its own future.’

Ralph Bullivant, chair of Homebaked CLT, added that any regeneration had to be carefully managed to make sure homes remained affordable for all residents.

He said: ‘It is very important for our members and participants to make this area a better place to live, work and play for ourselves and for future generations.

‘The idea of a community land trust is for the people who live and work here – so the ones who have a real stake – to lead on the development of local assets, like homes, community spaces or shops and own them together to make sure they stay affordable in the future.’

Work is expected to begin on the block later this year.

Last year, NewStart visited one of the UK’s most successful CLTs, Granby 4 Streets in Liverpool. Read the story here.