AN AFFORDABLE housing group is launching a new development for 30 homes in Bridport.

Bridport Cohousing has pinpointed a proposed site for 30 properties plus such shared facilities as a meeting room and one-acre community allotment garden which will also be accessible to all Bridport residents. It is putting its plans on show – including the location of the site – for comments tomorrow, Saturday January 19, in Bucky Doo Square from 10am to 3pm. Members say are all are welcome to go along, see the plans, make comments and meet the potential residents Lucy Rowland, a community nurse in Bridport, who is one of the potential residents, said: “I like the shared meals and activities in cohousing. “By working together, for example in the shared market garden, we can develop friendships and create a supportive network for old and young alike.

“It will mean we can all live together in a safe and happy neighbourhood, which is also of service to the wider community in Bridport.”

Bridport Cohousing comprises local people working together to create more affordable, sustainable homes in Bridport for local people. It aims to create a neighbourhood which is affordable, sustainable and mutually supportive. Ideas include eco-homes with high insulation levels, growing food on site, such shared transport facilities as a pool car and electric bikes and limits on private car ownership. The project builds on the success of the award-winning Threshold cohousing project in Gillingham, North Dorset.

The developer partner for Bridport Cohousing is Synergy Aster Housing Group.

It will provide affordable rent and shared ownership homes as part of the scheme.

Bridport Cohousing is a non-profit community land trust.

It will own the freehold for the site and sell long leases on the homes, with the aim of keeping them affordable in perpetuity. The allocation policy for all homes will give first priority to people in or within five miles of Bridport. Visit bridportcohousing.org.uk or call 07890 660594 for more details.