Harrogate Borough Council’s offering help for residents across the district to develop new affordable homes in their communities.
Financial support and technical advice are on offer for projects which promote community-led housing designed specifically with local people in mind.
Led jointly by the borough council and Reach Community Housing the seminar will demonstrate how community-led housing can help the district meet its housing needs.
Crucially, it can provide the homes local communities require, rather than sites being developed for private profit.
It doesn’t mean residents have to actually build the homes themselves, but the community should be involved in the entire process and make all the key decisions.
Community-led schemes are usually smaller scale and involve 25 homes or less and provide affordable homes for rent, shared ownership or sale.
Community groups retain a legal or financial interest in the homes which ensures they are always available for the local people who really need them.
While they are set up and run by communities, supported and guidance is on hand from local councils and housing associations.
Registration is available online: www.reachcommunityhousing.co.uk/seminars
Councillor Mike Chambers, cabinet member with responsibility for housing, said:
We need more affordable homes in Harrogate district – both by definition and in real terms.
Community-led schemes have the potential to help us ensure housing can be provided by, and for, the local residents who need it the most.
The council has funding available to get a community scheme started so I encourage people to come along to the information seminar to find out more.
