About this home:

Inspired by the Danish model of cohousing and kibbutz style co-living and volunteering, Springhill was set up as the UK's first cohousing scheme. 35 homes range from studio flats to 4 bed houses. The common house is a hub of activity from choir to yoga to film clubs. There is an optional communal meal three times a week and it's mandatory to cook once a month. Kids can play freely on car free streets and in the communal garden. At the time, the construction was considered pioneering in terms of sustainability: with timber frame, triple glazing, solar power and 250mm insulation. "The best practice technology we have today will be seen as bad practice in 20 years time, but the cohousing living model will still be best practice in 100 years."

Planning Insights:

10 months at planning

The site already had permission for a 'horrible scheme', so the principle was set that they would be allowed to develop the site for housing. David Michael bought the site before people joined the group. Once land was secured, people could apply to join. Everyone had to agree to be part of the Residents Association and want to live in a cohousing community. Individuals bought into the scheme (3 are affordable homes), they own their homes, can rent them out and can sell on the open market.