Lancaster Group Plans to Create a Gold Standard Eco-Cohousing Community

Lancaster Cohousing has just bought a riverside plot on which they plan to create a green cohousing development. It is hoped it will act as a catalyst and inspiration for significant improvements in the environmental impact of new housing developments.

The group intends to build a community, based on ecological values and at the cutting edge of sustainable design and living. Cohousing balances the advantages of home ownership with the benefits of shared common facilities. The project will include approximately 25-35 homes with community facilities and workshop/office space.

The buildings will meet the highest government rating for sustainable homes. Just as importantly, it will be designed to facilitate spontaneous socialisation and neighbourhood interaction. The development will comprise properties that will be of interest to a range of household sizes and incomes. They intend to draw up plans for the site in consultation with the local community and neighbouring businesses as well as the future residents.

Jon Sear of Lancaster Cohousing (and joint winner of the 2007 Observer Ethical Awards for sustainable DIY) said “Our aim is to create an environment that is not only a fantastic place to live and work but that will also be nationally recognised as an example of how to build community and enable zero-carbon living.”

The group also plans to provide offices and workshops for local businesses.
Jon Sear continued “Even in the current economic climate, we believe there is interest in managed workspace from small businesses, so long as we can keep rents affordable. We expect the surroundings will be particularly attractive to environmental businesses that can benefit from each other’s presence on site.”

Kathy Bashford of Lancaster Cohousing said “Most of the homes we build will be for people already in our group, but we are still keen to hear from people who would like to join us. It’s a fantastic opportunity to input into the design of your house and live with people who want to socialise with their neighbours - as well as ending up owning one of the most environmentally friendly homes in the country.”

Who are Lancaster Cohousing?

The company comprises of those who plan to live in the community. It was formed in 2006 by a small group of founding members. Their vision is “to create an intergenerational cohousing community that will encourage social interaction and will be built on ecological values”. Some of the 14 current households have sold their homes to fund the purchase of the land.

For more information
Visit the Lancaster Cohousing website.