Dorset 3rd sector Sustainability and Environment Forum

The last meeting of the Affordable Housing Task Group was very positive. The group seems to work very well together and I have been continually impressed by everyone's commitment to helping provide affordable housing. The group has received some reward grant money which it can now allocate for new projects and there was much discussion about what these should be. As 3rd sector rep for sustainability and the environment I asked if I could make a presentation about some projects which would help provide for people who wish to build their own low-impact eco-homes, a project for developing a model community land trust, and a register for farms being sold with agricultural ties to help young farmers who need to buy affordable farms.My initial project ideas were listened to and they seemed open to leaving some money allocated to rural housing projects which could be applied to them, if they were deemed acceptable. I am going to give a presentation on these ideas at the April meeting.  Attached is a copy of my proposals.

It all seems very constructive: it is so important at this time, when the conventional housing market has collapsed to look at better ways to provide for affordable housing which are more sustainable. Any feedback is welcome.