South Brent is typical of many rural communities in the UK where affordable housing for the local community is practically non-existent, leading to population drift and the disintegration of communities. Although South Brent Community Land Trust was founded as a community driven initiative with the primary aim of empowering local people to build and purchase their own environmentally friendly and affordable homes within the village envelope, it also exists sustain and support community amenities and enterprises should the need arise. Other CLT’s have been able to step in and save village shops, post offices and pubs as well as provide affordable housing solutions.
From the very beginning, South Brent CLT have had a very clear objective to build low impact, environmentally sound, sustainable homes using natural, locally sourced materials wherever possible. It aims to harness alternative fuel sources (solar),position the houses to optimise solar gain and is looking into the practicalities of a communal biomass boiler. The CLT would also create allotment, orchard and garden spaces, which would be open for use by the wider community.
Over the last two years, South Brent CLT has identified a potential site in South Brent. Following consultation, Dartmoor National Park consider it a suitable location for a ‘Rural Exception Site’. This means that it is land adjoining an existing development which may be used for the development of affordable housing for local people. The site is located in close proximity to the village centre, meaning that walking to and from the shops, school and local services is entirely possible and will be encouraged. Residents of the new site would also be encouraged to use alternative routes from Exeter Road to keep village centre traffic flow to a minimum. As all self builders are already South Brent residents, it is projected that minimal impact on the village infrastructure and services will occur.
Originally, South Brent CLT members planned to self build six or so straw-bale houses on this site, but after initial meetings and reports regarding the highways and ecological impacts they were encouraged to think bigger and to be adventurous with the design. As a result of that encouragement there are now 13 households involved, from individuals to young families. They say: "We are fortunate that among that group we have four building professionals and an architect so we are confident that we can mobilise the appropriate resources." A 1.5 storey house format has been designed to be built using oak frames with straw bale walls and lime render. The homes will be modern in appearance, energy efficient and environmentally friendly. A local timber frame specialist is on hand to supply the frames, they are keen to be involved and have several employees in the village.
Self builders will receive support from the CLT to undertake bespoke training to build their own energy efficient house. Locally sourced, sustainable and natural, environmentally friendly materials will be used wherever possible and projects will be overseen by professionals to ensure only high quality homes are created.
The South Brent CLT have been working very closely with Tor Ecology and Aspect Tree Consultancy and have a clear idea of the flora and fauna present and what mitigation and considerations need to be made. This will include main building work taking place in between hibernation periods of dormice as well as taking care with wild meadow flora and the bat population.
Community members who self-build obtain equity of their own home with the labour they put in building the house and a deposit (paid in stages). Further equity can be acquired via a mortgage (or rent to buy scheme for those members unable to arrange a mortgage). The CLT retains the freehold of the rental houses and community area which is held in perpetuity. The Section106 requirement set by Dartmoor National Park Authority means that if a CLT home is sold, it must be sold at an affordable house price and purchased by another person / family meeting the original criteria of the builder.
Climate change and the increasing cost of oil and other fossil fuels will seriously affect people living in the countryside. Building environmentally sustainable homes and harnessing alternative power sources (solar, biomass) will reduce reliance on oil and gas, thereby reducing the cost of utility bills for home owners.
The next step is a planning meeting with the National Parks to determine the viability of the project as developed so far, taking into consideration the Highways traffic statement and environmental studies.
* South Brent CLT website http://www.sbclt.co.uk
* South Brent CLT on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/South-Brent-CLT-1567062100193148/
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