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Somerset council plans affordable green homes

Posted: 10/01/2007

West Somerset Council is inviting people from Carhampton to view plans and comment on the proposed development of Townsend Farm site into environmentally friendly affordable homes for local families.

Cllr Mary Crowley, Portfolio Holder for Housing Health and Welfare, said, “West Somerset Council’s Cabinet recently agreed that, if we are successful in buying the land, we could build 30 homes, 20 of which will be affordable homes to rent and buy, with the remaining 10 homes to be sold on the open market to offset costs.

“If we can take it forward, this will be a groundbreaking project, with homes built to a carbon neutral specification that will be affordable for local people on low wages. The aim is to derive 20% of the homes’ energy from microgeneration like solar or wind power, or ground source heat pumps.”

Ward Member, Cllr Peter Humber, said: “The project would be developed in partnership with the Somerset Trust for Sustainable Development, a charity set up to promote sustainable construction and design. The site would be developed by a Community Land Trust, which enables land to be taken into the ownership of the local community and managed by a board of local people including parish councillors, local residents and tenants of West Somerset.”

The community land trust’s responsibility is to protect the community assets, re-invest any proceeds arising and ensure the properties remain affordable.

Cllr Humber added, “The project is at a crucial stage and the project team wishes to fully involve the community and gather their views and opinions on this important development during this genuine consultation process in this landmark project.”

As part of the consultation process there will be a public meeting at Carhampton Village Hall on January 18, 2007.

Residents are invited to an informal discussion between 3 - 5pm where the public can talk to representatives about all aspects of the project.

The presentation from the Somerset Trust for Sustainable Development will explain how community land trusts can work for the benefit of the community, as well as the benefits of carbon neutral housing. Following the presentation, representatives will be available to explain more about the development and to answer questions.

Cllr Jess Griffith said, “I am really excited about the scheme because we are going to build some truly inspirational homes while minimising damage to the environment. With major concern about climate change, it is imperative that we all do our bit and I am very happy to see the council taking up the challenge with enthusiasm.”

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