2. The process of the project development plan

2.1 Demand for the project

The current Management Committee consists of six members all of whom intend to live in the project. In addition, there are 10 prospective members and over 30 official friends/supporters of the project as well as 105 subscribers to our email list. The project will embark upon a further wave of membership when an actual site is confirmed. Since the project only aims to build 20 homes, the project is already heavily subscribed and all units will be filled without too many problems. We are also keen to offer spaces for existing residents of the local community where the project will eventually be situated. Since all residents have to become a member of the IPS and sign a pre-lease agreement and 5% deposit, there are no concerns about voids on completion of the build phase of the project.

The project builds upon established demand for similar projects around the UK as part of the growing co-housing movement which includes established projects in Stroud, Lancaster, Lewes, Dorset, Sheffield, Bradford on Avon and London with at least 15 other prospective projects. These projects build upon the well established international co-housing community with 200 schemes in Denmark and dozens in North America.

In addition, the Community Land Trust movement is growing and includes projects such as Fordhall Farm Community Land Initiative, Cornwall Community Land Trust project, Gloucestershire Land for People, St Minver in Cornwall, London Citizens CLT and Chippings Community Land Trust, Lancashire. All these projects demonstrate the established and growing demand for this kind of project. We intend to do further detailed market research to confirm the exact nature of demand and preferences, and launch the Project Plan in the area of the site purchase to increase membership.

2.2 Land acquisition process

LILAC has undertaken a land search across West Yorkshire amongst public sector and private vendors. Land searches have been undertaken mainly in inner city locations as these areas best represent the aspirations of the project, to both contribute to inner city regeneration and to ensure the project is a pioneering demonstrator in the heart of the city. From these searches, LILAC has currently drawn up a shortlist of suitable sites looked at so far and is actively seeking to draw up a final list of available sites with input from the public and private sectors.

2.3 Design process to date

Two design workshops have been undertaken, one with members of the group and one involving the group and the design team at amazonails. From these workshops, a list of 20 design principles were drawn up and incorporated into the designs appended to this plan. Further design work, especially on landscaping and community layout, will be undertaken once a site is acquired.

2.4 Community participation and engagement strategy

Consultation and community involvement will be a major part of this project. LILAC intends to have a significant role in its local community. We intend to involve the local community in the build phase through structured courses so that the local residents understand the development and what it will mean for them. We are committed to the wider community understanding more about the project as part of the planning and construction process.

Forward to next section: 3. Scheme design and environmental benefits