Kevin McCloud to work with HCA on exemplar community-owned housing scheme

Ground-breaking proposals to develop environmentally sustainable, community-owned housing on land owned by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) are to be delivered by a partnership led by TV presenter Kevin McCloud.

The national housing and regeneration agency has announced it has identified Hab Oakus, a joint venture between Mr McCloud’s company Hab and housing group GreenSquare, as the delivery partner to work up detailed plans to develop a former hospital site in Cashes Green, Stroud, Gloucestershire.

The agreement sees Hab Oakus work alongside the Community Land Trust, Gloucestershire Land for People (GLP), local residents and stakeholders to develop a full planning application for a comprehensive redevelopment of the site to include 78 new homes, allotments and a community building.

Under the proposals, GLP will own and manage 39 of these homes, which will be available for affordable rent and part ownership. The remaining homes will be made available for sale on the open market by Hab Oakus.

It is the first time a housing-focused Community Land Trust proposal will be delivered on HCA-owned land.

As part of the agreement, Hab Oakus will construct all 78 new homes to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Mr McCloud said: "This will be an exemplar project, which has the local community at its core.

"This is a scheme that could show how future housing developments, driven by local communities, could be unlocked. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work on such an important project."

Hab Oakus’ bid was one of eight submissions considered by the HCA, who looked at scheme quality, financial viability and the ability to integrate the Community Land Trust model into the development.

GLP Chairman Max Comfort added: "This is a massive step forward in the development of the Cashes Green site.

"We are really pleased to be able to work with Hab Oakus, and thank the HCA for its support on helping us get the project to this stage. We are looking forward to playing our part in what is – quite rightly – a flagship for delivering affordable housing in England."

Stroud District Council worked closely with the HCA and GLP to help get the project off the ground.

The council's cabinet member for housing, Councillor Debbie Young, said: "Affordable housing and the environment are key priorities for the council and local people. Innovative sustainable developments really are the way forward for housing. We're looking forward to seeing this exciting project come to fruition."

HCA head of area David Warburton said: "This is an important project, and I am delighted we have been able to help find a way to support the Community Land Trust realise the ambitions of the local community to deliver much needed housing on this derelict site."

It is expected that a full planning application will be submitted for the site later this year.

The HCA is presently a partner in Hab Oakus’ plans to build more than 40 new homes in The Triangle, Swindon.