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It has been a slow and steady journey to get to this point. 2020 has been full of challenges and new learning, and we're delighted to have got this far:
2017 March– The idea is conceived at the SDCE Board’s Visioning Day. Work goes on in the background to develop the idea and secure funding. 2018 January – We were awarded a £9000 grant through the My Community; Community Led Housing Scheme to enable us to undertake feasibility work into a potential development site on the edge of Ivybridge. March – Exclusivity agreement with landowners signed. Feb - We held a community engagement event to introduce the idea of SDCE considering a housing project, which was attended by over 40 people. The feedback was all very positive and we received 42 responses to an online survey regarding local housing needs and design. 2019 July - Option agreement with the landowners signed. August - First briefing meeting with the nearest neighbours. August – Sustainable Design Collective appointed for pre-application stage, subject to receiving funding. 2020 January 2020 - Homes England grant of £87k awarded to take us to planning submission. March 2020 – Planning pre-app submitted to South Hams District Council. May 2020 – First ecological surveys start on site. June 2020 - Pre-planning response received from SHDC July-August 2020 – Community consultation runs; including webinar, online survey, and local press articles. SDCE board meet to discuss responses and accept suggestions. Autumn 2020 - Design team work up plans, lots of surveys take place on site, drainage is complex on the sloping site. Autumn 2020 - Applied to the Rural Community Energy Fund, and were successful. Granted £39k for a techno-economic feasibility study to model the energy systems on the site. December 2020 - Full planning application submitted to SHDC! Predicted - subject to change! Early 2021 – The application will be validated and appear on the Planning Portal Early 2021 - Planning decision Spring/Summer 2021 – More detailed energy modelling work will be undertaken, construction finance will need to be secured, ongoing management plan for the site developed and potential partnerships with housing associations and car club providers will be explored. Autumn/Winter 2021 – Contractors appointed 2022 - Construction takes place Autumn 2022 - Phased completion and tenants move in Next... |
