Question 1

Is this development similar to other cohousing schemes in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. Our principles are similar to many others. We are unusual in that the site was found by a developer, Aspen, who have sought to gather a group of interested people rather than a pre-existing group seeking a site to develop. Both Aspen and the group are working with staff from Community Led Homes to support the emergence and development of our membership. The group is heavily involved in influencing the design of the site and our homes-to-be.

Question 2

When will homes be ready to occupy?

Accepted Answer

We hope before the end of 2028. We promise nothing! Planning permission and build process are not wholly predictable. See separate timescale information documents.

Question 3

What sort of homes will be available?

Accepted Answer

Predominantly apartments of different sizes and prices, each on a single level; some houses. We are in the process of working on the mix of  37 homes with Aspen. Most homes will be for owner-occupiers. We are exploring whether there might be any other options.

Question 4

Will every home have its own outdoor space?

Accepted Answer

That is our intention. Balconies for homes that are not at ground level. A small dedicated terrace or garden for the rest - exclusive to the owner but probably not private in the sense of ‘secluded’.

Question 5

Will everyone be able to park right outside their home?

Accepted Answer

At present we are seeking a design that enables everyone to drive close to their home to drop off but not necessarily to park right outside.

Question 6

Will homes be suitable for disabled and ageing people?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Exact specifications are still to be discussed but the principle is a non-negotiable.

Question 7

How much will homes cost?

Accepted Answer

All figures at this stage are provisional and subject to change, but as a rough guide - single bedroom flats are estimated in the region of £300,000 with 2 bedrooms in the region of £400,000 and 3 bedroom flats / bungalows in the region of £500,000.

Question 8

How will the group make decisions?

Accepted Answer

The easy answer is ‘not just by majority voting’. We are exploring various consensual processes. We want everyone to be heard and concerns addressed whenever possible, even if they are minority concerns. We are already setting up small sub-groups so that many issues can be explored in detail without everyone needing to be involved, with recommendations then brought back to the full membership when appropriate for final decisions.

Question 9

What facilities and activities will be available in the Common House?

Accepted Answer

We are exploring all sorts of ideas at present. 
Certainly a communal kitchen so that people can choose to cook and eat together as frequently or rarely as they wish. 
Flexible spaces adaptable for different uses – e.g. eating, meetings, celebrations, chilling out, playing, creating.
Workshop facilities.
Guest accommodation.
Shared laundry facilities, possibly around the site as well as centrally.

Question 10

What is planned for the shared outdoor space?

Accepted Answer

Lots of greenery. A large established tree and other existing trees and bushes. A small pond. Raised beds for flowers and vegetables. Fruit trees.
Sitting out areas -  a large patio area linked to the Common House with glass doors, plus seating dotted around the site.
Playing area - a boules court and lawn close to the Common House.
Growing area/s. 
Parking designed not to dominate the space. We imagine some kind of car-sharing and e-bike sharing scheme.
Bike and buggy storage/charging area.

Question 11

Is there public transport nearby?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A bus stop into the city right next to the site. A local train station (though with stepped access) less than 400 metres.

Question 12

How far is it from the site into the centre of the city?

Accepted Answer

Just under two miles.

Question 13

What is the wider neighbourhood like?

Accepted Answer

Heavily residential. Park within 15 minutes walk. Local convenience stores. Short drive to supermarkets (Morrison’s and Sainsbury’s less than a mile).

Question 14

Can I have a cat / dog / goldfish / anaconda?

Accepted Answer

All Cohousing groups face challenges around their policy on pets. We will be researching other established cohousing communities to see what might work to balance the different views which will be sure to exist amongst our members (though we all expect anacondas to be kept on a lead).

Frequently asked questions