Welcome to Marches Community-led Housing - putting you at the heart of local housing development.
We believe local people are best placed to build homes which really work for them and create thriving communities.
Our mission is to help you access information and funding so you can confidently navigate through planning policy and working with key partners. We are a not for profit organisation, run by people who live and work in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire.
What is community-led housing?
Community-led housing is usually a small development of homes designed, built, owned and/or controlled by a group of local people who came together to do just this.
It’s all about local people identifying and tackling housing needs in their area, knowing that the homes they create will be there for ever for the benefit of the community they live in.
At the end of the day, this means long-term quality of life for communities.
Why now?
The changes in planning law such as the advent of Neighbourhood development plans can make it easier for local communities to have a say in the housing which is built in their area.
The Conservative government is very supportive of local housing initiatives including community led housing.
Why Community led housing?
Positivity
Potentially greater supply of new housing as a community taking the lead in a new scheme may lead to building on sites that would otherwise be undevelopable.
Affordability
Homes which are genuinely affordable for those with local jobs. Increased diversity of new housing built alongside or in partnership with private developers and housing associations.
People Powered
Housing development specifically targeted to local need - for example older people wishing to downsize but remain within their community, or keeping younger folk in the community by giving them access to a home they would otherwise be unable to afford.
Sustainability
Communities gain stability with residents who have a vested interest in remaining in their area long term.