Your Company

The Yard - AVAG self build,

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Multi House Self Build in Ashley

completed: 2010


About this home:

Ashley Vale Action Group formed to formalise the land purchase of a 2.1 acre scaffolding yard, the site was saved from developers by the neighbourhood. The plots sold for an average of £35,000, including installation of site infrastructure and services, providing an exciting affordable opportunity. The masterplanning and workshops ran by AVAG ensured that everyone was on the same page over ethos, a sustainable material pallet and community intention. The builds were all individual and self-organised but everyone helped each other with big tasks. Lots of people lived on site in caravans during the build and the kids played freely in the burgeoning community safety. 20 years on, residents value shared spaces and have close friendships.


Features:

Multi House Self Build icon

Multi House Self Build

Timber Frame icon

Timber Frame

Clay Render / Plaster icon

Clay Render / Plaster

Recycled Materials icon

Recycled Materials

Recycled floors icon

Recycled floors

Recycled Windows icon

Recycled Windows

Solar Panels icon

Solar Panels

Air Source Heat Pump icon

Air Source Heat Pump

Council Committee Decision icon

Council Committee Decision

Urban Infill icon

Urban Infill

Building close to trees icon

Building close to trees

Affordable Housing icon

Affordable Housing

Multi generation living  icon

Multi generation living

Low Cost Construction icon

Low Cost Construction

Women in Construction icon

Women in Construction


Planning Insights:

24 months at planning

Through community engagement and support from neighbours, the group convinced city planners that the Yard would be in the neighbourhood's best interest. In the planning meeting a councillor said, "We simply can't ignore what seems like the whole of the neighbourhood want." The alternative would be 35 identical brick boxes delivered by a profit-oriented developer. The scheme has 6 affordable bungalows, 3 workshop spaces, 20 houses, a block of flats, a communal garden and a common room.



Project Challenges

Form a Limited Company

Forming an official group like a CLT or company means you can engage more formally with a land owner, local authority, product supplier, etc instead of a collection of individuals.

Make sure everyone's on the same page

Arrange training in various topic areas for all members of the group - for example: principles of construction, sustainable design, renewable energy, group work, conflict resolution and values.

Set rules for selling plots/houses

AVAG didn't think to set any rules for what happens when someone wants to leave, consider what this might look like to avoid internal conflict and accusations of being profit-driven.

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