A holistic approach to social, economic and environmental sustainability creating an energy efficient housing development that respects and enhances the existing landscape and places the wellbeing of the community at the forefront of the design.
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Many people in Bridport are victims of housing poverty. The combination of high rents and low wages mean that lots of people are in dire need of affordable housing. Smart Community Projects Ltd have devised a model which they hope will deliver nearly 300 affordable homes in an eco community development in Bridport. The project will be mainly built with private sector finance and the land will be leased, not bought.
Secure leases of up to 7 years on affordable homes with rents at or below Local Housing Allowances.
Shared ownership allows young people and families to get on the housing ladder at an affordable price.
A proportion of houses for sale ensures a balance of tenures and an opportunity for people to move within the community as circumstances change.
We want to help tackle the Bridport housing crisis.
400 Households on Bridport Housing Register.
of homes caused by right-to-buy sales.
We are three activists who are striving to find a solution to our national affordable housing crisis and Watton Village in Bridport is our first attempt to do that. Roy Mathisen is a Bridport resident, Vince Adams is a retired businessmen from Dorchester and Jonathan Lovett, our architect is from West London https://www.aoi.uk.com.
in high cost private rented accommodation in and round Bridport, Dorset.
Including professions such as teachers, nurses and firefighters.
Help those who are currently living in temporary or unsuitable housing.
The location will be around the base of Watton Hill.
The whole area of the hill and its lower slopes is 79 acres.
The actual development site is 27 acres of which a very small amount is built on – the rest being gardens, public open space, woodland and roads.
All the roofs will be 100% solar panels and we expect they will produce up to twice the amount of power that the development will need. We aim to store surplus power in on-site batteries to cope with peak demand or sold to the grid. We anticipate that that the fuel bills for individual homes will be significantly less than average.
Strip lynchets provide inspiration for site landform. Important trees retained and 5000 new trees planted, Watton Hill will becomes a public open space.
Sustainable drainage system – no flood risk. Water collected and stored for use on gardens and open spaces. A series of ponds and swales creates new bio diversity.
In partnership with RSPB / Dorset Wildlife Trust. Create a range of habitats for different types of wildlife. Planting to encourage and strengthen breeding and numbers.
Pasture managed as public open space / wildlife friendly meadow. Better management of woodland and hedgerows. Convert some pasture to fruit and nut orchards.
Roads and Traffic. The only entrance to Watton Village will be a traffic light controlled junction opposite the Kings Head on the A3066. Not Dodhams Lane. Detailed research show s that there will be very little impact on existing traffic patterns. This junction will incorporate a ‘green man’ pedestrian crossing which will enhance road safety for pedestrian traffic. No vehicular access to Pymore Road. The Sustrans cycle route will be protected.
A City Institution has agreed in principle to provide the finance to build the 235 affordable rented homes. However, Smart Communities need to raise at least £500,000 to pay for the costs of obtaining planning permission. Fortunately, Dorset Council have committed to contribute £50,000 towards the planning costs but we will soon be setting up a campaign to raise the rest of the funds that we need.
Development land will be provided for 35/40 years at no cost, by the Watton Hill Trust.
Pioneering partnership between a major city institution, the WDDC and landowner.
Smart Communities are committed to work with the community of Bridport in developing this project. We will consult with the local community through focus groups, exhibitions and workshops. We will work closely with local councils as well. All of this is aimed at gaining a clear understanding of how we can best cater for the needs of Bridport.