Flint hails resident involvement in co-operative housing » Housing » 24dash.com

Housing Minister Caroline Flint today hailed co-operative housing as a model for the safe and sustainable neighbourhoods of the future.
 
Ms Flint was speaking after a visit to Redditch where local residents have helped to design two complexes of Eco Homes which they now manage through local co-operatives.

Crime and anti-social behaviour is almost unheard of and many residents have gone on to take up new jobs, training or civic roles, such as school governors, as a result of their involvement in running the co-operatives.

Ms Flint said: “This innovative scheme shows just what can be achieved when people have a real stake in the places where they live; safe communities, friendly neighbourhoods and a higher quality of life.

“Although co-operative models of housing are not new, the example of Redditch shows that they can be delivered on a larger scale and in a way that meets the needs and aspirations of people in the 21st century.

“I am hugely impressed by what has been achieved here – and indeed in others parts of the country – and am keen to explore further how mutual housing solutions such as this could function elsewhere.”

Ms Flint was invited by Redditch MP Jacqui Smith. She met with Carl Taylor, Manager of Redditch Co-operative Homes, Nic Bliss, Chairman of the Confederation of Co-operative Housing and Jon Stevens from Accord Housing Group.

Redditch Co-operative Homes Manager Carl Taylor said: "The Co-operative way of involving people in the design and management of their homes has been crucial to the success of this project; people feel real ownership.”

The 36 new homes on two sites in Redditch cost £5 million to construct and use prefabricated Norwegian timber panels with insulation, external cladding, door frames and windows included and ready to erect. They meet the current highest industry EcoHomes rating of ‘excellent’.

The homes are being developed by Accord Housing Association for Redditch Co-operative Homes in partnership with Norwegian company Hedalm Anebyhus, Redditch Borough Council and with funding from the Housing Corporation. Hedalm Anebhyus is itself a cooperative, using timber from sustained forests to produce the panels.