The cohousing idea is getting more attention on the other side of the planet: Australia only has one existing cohousing development, in Perth, but a recent symposium is hoping to change all that. The Sydney Morning Herald describes cohousing as:

... a group of privately owned dwellings where residents work together to enhance their sense of community, reduce duplication of resources and bring social and environmental gains to all.

Sydney's 'Living Cooperatively Consortium' has been promoting the idea - and local councils seem to be embracing it heartily:

Both Parramatta and Marrickville councils were heavily involved in a recent symposium on co-housing, mainly due to their interest in exploring more affordable ways to live. Through a research project with the University of Western Sydney, Parramatta Council is considering a pilot project that would turn a disused council property into a co-operative housing community.

Go Sydney! Perhaps some UK councils might one day follow suit...?