About this home:

Ashley Vale Action Group formed to formalise the land purchase of a 2.1 acre scaffolding yard, the site was saved from developers by the neighbourhood. The plots sold for an average of £35,000, including installation of site infrastructure and services, providing an exciting affordable opportunity. The masterplanning and workshops ran by AVAG ensured that everyone was on the same page over ethos, a sustainable material pallet and community intention. The builds were all individual and self-organised but everyone helped each other with big tasks. Lots of people lived on site in caravans during the build and the kids played freely in the burgeoning community safety. 20 years on, residents value shared spaces and have close friendships.

Planning Insights:

24 months at planning

Through community engagement and support from neighbours, the group convinced city planners that the Yard would be in the neighbourhood's best interest. In the planning meeting a councillor said, "We simply can't ignore what seems like the whole of the neighbourhood want." The alternative would be 35 identical brick boxes delivered by a profit-oriented developer. The scheme has 6 affordable bungalows, 3 workshop spaces, 20 houses, a block of flats, a communal garden and a common room.