During the Covid-19 restriction period, the EcoHolmes team have been consulting with the local community about their views on the need for affordable low-energy housing in the Holme Valley. After holding some 12 Zoom discussion group meetings, the feedback has been collated the feedback and is about to be shared as “What the community said…….!”, examples of which are given below:
On Location and Community issues, when asked where new affordable homes should be built in the Holme Valley, the community said ideally on smaller sites in the valley bottom with good access to public transport, services and shops. A number of participants also stated a preference for using viable brownfield sites and wasteland, to avoid encroaching on green areas where possible. Retrofitting existing homes and vacant properties in town centres was also seen as a desirable option. When questioned whether a sense of community could be created by the design of outdoor spaces and whether this would help integrate the build with the local neighbourhood., this was positively received as the following comments suggest :
The consensus was for sustainable homes, ones that are intergenerational with good access to public transport, services, and preferably near a village, with comments such as :
“I’m attracted by community housing as a different way”
“People invest in a community”
“Get support from people surrounding the development by offering them something”
Constructive feedback ideas on this theme included: combine workspaces with living spaces and make available to non-residents; offer energy generated schemes such as ground source heat pumps to nearby residents; make some of the scheme’s allotments available; create an open design that allows through footpaths; and also discuss the site plans widely.
“Make homes fit for modern life, not for 100 years ago”
“I want a home that is part of, not separate from a community.”
“Homes should be seen as a place to live, not an investment.”
For more community feedback on housing needs in the Holme Valley is being made available on the EcoHolmes website and is being emailed out to our members and supporters.
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