A GROUP planning to make land available for self-build homes in Petersfield has welcomed news that grants of up to £52,000 are now available to such groups.
The Community Led Housing Grant is a one-off grant which will be awarded by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) to groups aiming to deliver cheaper than market price homes in their communities.
Petersfield Community Land Trust (PCLT) is aiming to provide land for about a dozen self build homes in Reservoir Lane and is looking at how best to fund the early stages of the project.
PCLT director Jamie Matthews said: “It’s going slowly at the moment, and we are looking at funding options for things like drawing up plans.
“We are aware of this grant, and someone from PCLT is talking to the council about it, and it would be a great help in funding the initial stages of the Reservoir Lane project.”
The grant is aimed at helping people in East Hampshire looking to set up community-led housing groups in an effort to create new homes in their area.
Community-led housing is about local people playing a leading role in solving housing problems as well as creating affordable homes and strong communities in ways that are difficult to achieve through mainstream housing, said a council spokesman.
It is a broad movement which includes a range of approaches, including Community Land Trusts (CLTs), co-operatives, co-housing, self-help housing and group self-build homes, and it can also involve new build, regeneration or the use of existing buildings.
The council spokesman added: “The grant could provide start-up funding for these groups to establish themselves as an organisation to deliver community housing or it could go towards set-up costs, advice, training, fees, planning consultations, feasibility studies and events.”
Launched on Monday last week, groups can now apply for any amount up to £52,000.
District councillor Julie Butler said: “It is fantastic that we are able to offer this grant and members of the community have the opportunity to take ownership of the housing in their area.
“By setting up a community-led housing group, residents will have the opportunity to make sure that any future housing meets the local needs.”
For more information and to download an application form, visit the website at: www.easthants.gov.uk/community-led-housing-grant or contact community housing officer Catherine Kirkham, by e-mail at: Catherine.Kirkham@actionhamp shire.org or by telephone on 01962 857387.
Applications for the grant will close at noon on Monday, June 25.