We have been meeting in Devon roughly once a month since June 2009, including 2 new members meetings and hiring a hostel for the weekend.
There are now 9 Full members, 5 Potential members and 2 Associate members plus lots of Friends of Prospect
The age range of Full members is 23-66 (average age 47) plus 2 young children and 1 dog
We have made contact with planning and financial consultants. In the process we have learned a lot about the planning system, more or less decided on a legal and financial structure and are in the process of writing a business plan.
Our focus has changed over the last year from pure co-housing to a community based on co-housing principles, sustainability and self reliance.
We envisage developing the property as an educational/sustainability centre, e.g. forest school, green woodworking, crafts, permaculture, therapies, tree nursery, alternative energy, etc. This will enable residents to earn most of their living on site.
We have viewed a number of potential properties in mid Devon. We put in an offer on one of these but it was rejected and has subsequently been sold. Another property has lots of residential permissions but we do not have enough capital.
We are now considering a property which has buildings with great potential as well as great land and lots of woodland but we will have to apply for planning permission.
Obtaining residential planning permission for a group of people to live in a rural area is always difficult. We are seeking to overcome these difficulties by keeping the property as one indivisible unit and incorporating educational and other benefits to the local community.
We still need more people, especially those with capital and/or permaculture and building-related skills.
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