A co-housing project made up of affordable eco-homes has been praised by local officials.

Bridport Cohousing, the UK’s largest co-housing project to date, was praised for its commitment to sustainability, design and vital role in addressing the demand for affordable housing in Dorset.

The development of 53 sustainable, affordable eco-homes to buy and rent, called Hazelmead, celebrated a milestone on Monday, July 31 at a celebration event attended by MP for West Dorset, Chris Loder; the Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Dave Bolwell and many other stakeholders.

Mr Loder described the celebration of Hazelmead as 'the culmination of 15 years of incredibly hard work' that brought the vision of Bridport Cohousing into reality.

He said: “I remember coming here a few years ago and it was little more than a field. The development is a real testament to everyone who worked so hard on this project.

“The homes at Hazelmead are very special for many reasons. One of the really important aspects of community land trusts is they afford the opportunity for homes and housing for people who live or work locally, who might otherwise not have had the opportunity to have their own home.”

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: MP for West Dorset, Chris Loder

South West-based charitable housing association BCHA is delivering 39 homes of which 26 will be for Social Rent and 13 for Shared Ownership, starting with a 25% share. Bridport Cohousing is delivering an additional 14 homes for Shared Equity with an 80% share.

BCHA teamed up with Dorset Council to deliver the homes, which also received funding from Homes England.

Cllr Jane Somper, Portfolio Holder for People – Adult Social Care, Health and Housing at Dorset Council said: "This scheme demonstrates how, as a progressive local authority, we can adopt a flexible approach and encourage innovation.

"It’s good to see well-designed homes built to such a high standard and by approaching housing in an imaginative way, we can increase the sustainability of areas like Bridport so people can live, work and thrive."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Lorraine Mealings, CEO of BCHA said: “Hazelmead is now home to amazingly beautiful properties with first-class eco-credentials, surrounded by inspirational food-growing spaces.

"It is lovely to hear children playing in car-free streets that are already full of flowers, fruit and vegetables.

"I can feel this new community coming to life – it’s already thriving and evolving. BCHA is exceptionally proud to be the development partner and be part of this exciting journey.”