Work underway on district first community-led housing scheme in Longhope
Forest of Dean District Council is delighted to announce that work has started on site on Land at Church Road, Longhope that will see 12 new affordable homes built as part of the first community-led housing scheme in the Forest of Dean.
Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, Cllr Adrian Birch said:
“It is especially important for new developments to increase the number of affordable homes in our district and meet the unique needs of residents in each area.
“It’s fantastic that organisations such as Aster Group and Longhope Community Land Trust are working together with the Council on this development in the first scheme of its kind in the Forest of Dean.
“The site in Longhope was approved as it was identified as an area that would particularly benefit from affordable housing, and I look forward to the benefits that this will bring to Longhope once building is complete.”
The scheme is being delivered through a partnership between Aster Group and Longhope Community Land Trust and will be a rural exception site, providing 12 affordable homes which will be available for rent.
This rural exception site will provide a range of homes from 1 bed flats through to 3 bed houses and will see residents with a relevant local connection to Longhope given preference in the allocation of the properties.
As well as providing guidance and assistance in helping the scheme come forward, Forest of Dean District Council has also provided financial assistance. Just over £13k of community led funding was provided to help Longhope Community Land Trust set up and help bring this project forward, as well as £187,795 of unallocated affordable housing development funding to enable the development to come to fruition.
Community-led housing allows people and communities to play a leading and lasting role in their own housing solutions by developing and managing homes. By working together, good quality and affordable housing can be developed for those who are priced out of the housing market and such developments are built primarily for the benefit of the local community.
Work has now started on site and further details will be posted by the Council, Aster Group and Longhope Community Land Trust as construction takes shape.
Further information on community led housing can be found here: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/housing/community-led-housing/
Contact Information
Forest of Dean Communications Team
Notes to editors
Community Land Trusts (CLTs)
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are another form of not-for-profit community-led housing, in which local organisations, set up and run by ordinary people, develop and manage homes and other community assets.
The Community Land Trust will aim to make sure that homes are genuinely affordable, not just for now but for every future occupier. Learn more about CLTs at the National Community Land Trust Network: https://www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk/
There is currently one Community Land Trust (CLT) located in the Forest of Dean in Longhope. For more information on the Longhope Community Land Trust and their project to provide affordable housing, click here: https://tjcons.wixsite.com/longhopeclt
Aster Group
Aster Group is a housing association which provides quality, affordable homes to thousands of people across the south of England and London. Its vision is that everyone has a home. Aster’s skilled team is committed to providing a good, seamless service, delivered excellently, with a strong personalised focus.
Further information on Aster Group and their projects can be found here: https://www.aster.co.uk/
Pictured are representatives from Aster Group, Longhope Community Land Trust and Councillors at the site in Longhope.