Bridport Cohousing Community
Plans to create a cohousing neighbourhood of around 30 homes in Bridport are progressing well. Synergy Housing Group, the largest housing association in Dorset, who were partners in developing the Threshold Centre, have agreed to act as the developer partner. Ecos Trust and Alan Heeks are providing a professional enabling function for the project. The aim is to create not only a cohousing neighbourhood with owner occupiers and affordable rental and shared ownership, but also a reproducible model to make it easier for other groups to develop mixed-tenure cohousing neighbourhoods.

Positive initial meetings have been held with West Dorset District Council who have indicated support in principle for the plan. Purchase options on two potential sites on the edge of Bridport are being negotiated, both of which would also allow enough land for a community market garden.

Recruitment
The Residents’ Group is seeking additional active members who can give 8 hours a month to help the Group achieve its goal. People who can give several days a month or have relevant professional skills would also be particularly helpful; and we also welcome expressions of interest from other potential residents. For more information see www.bridportcohousing.org.uk.