On being determined!
March 3, 2022
We’re really thrilled to have been appointed this week for another Cohousing project for a group in South Petherton in Somerset. The project is to convert a series of existing farm buildings into dwellings and workspaces for around 12 families of different sizes. During the interview we discussed the planning ‘determination’ process, and our absolute focus and determination to achieve planning consents on projects. We’re passionate about supporting people who are trying desperately to ‘do the right thing’ by building themselves sustainable homes with a broad agenda of regenerative design, in a mutually supportive community environment. So often the planning system can’t easily accommodate innovative projects like this because of a range of policies affecting sites, development boundaries, and affordability, yet they might be overwhelmingly supported by a local community, and councillors that serve them.
Several of our key community led and cohousing projects have been determined by a planning committee, where we have made impassioned representations on behalf of our clients! When we’re doing the right things, by the right people, in the right place, we can’t help but seek any approach necessary to push a project over the line. Early stakeholder engagement of all parties affected by a project is central to this approach. Working with neighbours, parish councils, town councils and MPs to explain the myriad benefits of a scheme helps to pave the way for broader political support for a project. If it is clear that a Local Planning Authority cannot support an application, then sometimes resorting to a local councillor ‘calling it in’ to committee is the best path to take. Allowing the political process to take over, and for local representatives to vote using common sense rather than the strictures of policy can unlock any impasses and get the right result - although it does carry risks!
Bridport Cohousing, and Astry Close Community Led Housing projects were both determined by committee, with unanimous councillor support. Our community clients had more than put in the hard work within their neighbourhoods and knew they were pursuing project that they were passionate about building. We support them with utter determination, support, and encouragement; ultimately empowering them to take ownership back over the process, and make it their own.
