The Parish Council will be considering plans about a community group’s self-build project for the “Co-op field”, directly opposite the Bowling Club car park, at their next meeting on December 9.

Hebden Bridge & Todmorden Community Self Build Housing Community Interest Company (usually known as HATS CIC) are looking for a site suitable for self-building about 20 houses – a mix of 2,3 and 4 bedroom houses according to this article by energyroyd.org.uk., which says the houses would be sustainably built to a high standard, with room for gardens and allotments.

They say the houses would be available for modest rents, and would remain the property of the trust so they could never be sold at a profit on the open market.

Roger Greenwood, clerk to the parish council, said: “The council is not aware of any specific intentions in respect of this land – a request for Asset Transfer from Calderdale Council to the Parish Council failed and therefore remains in C/dale ownership. The HATS CIC issue will be considered at a future meeting.”

More information about the Hebden Bridge & Todmorden Community Self Build Housing CIC is available on their website. The following is taken directly from it:

The Hebden Bridge & Todmorden Community Self Build Housing CIC is a community interest company incorporated by volunteers and residents of the Upper Calder Valley concerned over the long term provision of affordable housing within the community. 

The objectives of the project is to deliver a housing development and mechanism for narrowing the differential gap between average housing cost and average wage of young people and families in Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, through:                
                – Community Land Trust
– Self Build
– Flagship Development for the Zero Carbon Challenge
– Co-operative Housing

What is a Community Land Trust?
A Community Land Trust is a mechanism for acquiring and holding land for the benefit of a defined locality or community, and operates to capture the value of the land for the community in perpetuity. The formation of a Community Land Trust can deliver affordable housing for local people on modest incomes by taking the land cost out of the total price of a home.

Why Self Build?
Self Build Initiative – by inviting members of the community, in need of an affordable option for family housing, to contribute 15 hours per week of their own labour, to build part or all of their home, up to 25% of the build cost may be represented in terms of sweat equity.

Why Flagship Zero Carbon Development?
Flagship Development for the Zero Carbon Challenge – Construction and designs to flagship zero carbon targets may achieve up to 70% reduction in typical household fuel consumption costs.

What is a Housing Co-operative?
Housing co-operatives are groups of people who collectively own and manage the properties they live in. The premise of housing co-operative is that it will never be sold or flipped for profit so members can choose to remain in the co-op for a long time. This encourages involvement and commitment to the community and allows members to feel secure in their co-op and their neighbourhood.