Island Cohousing has been developing plans for an intentional cohousing development on the Isle of Wight.

A viable plot of land has been identified, discussions had with an architect regarding the designs, outline support from IWC gained and a qualified valuation of the land has been undertaken.

Briefly, Cohousing is:

• Affordable – smaller, energy efficient homes, shared meals and laundry
• Safe – largely pedestrian with shared recreation space and growing areas
• Social – meet to eat, clubs and activities on-site in the common house, shared tools and tasks, landscaping food growing, inter-generational, make friends, share pastimes
• Sustainable – energy efficient houses, car-sharing, bulk shopping, growing food for all, composting, reduced ownership of white goods

Some quotes from people living in cohousing communities

“We socialise with other children and adults without having to organise, pack a bag or tidy the house, enjoy healthy meals everyday yet I only cook once a fortnight”

“..how great it feels to live in a supportive community who all pull together in difficult times.”

“I now live in an ecohome which reflects my green values and gives me freedom in terms of my income needs and livelihood choices.”

The plan is to build 25 homes on the site with car parking by the entrance, a common house – administration centre, large room for shared meals and activities, some office space and accommodation for visitors, a range of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses each with a small garden, paved/tarmacked access road for pedestrian use, recreation/play area, quiet spaces and a ‘growing area’ for home produce.

Come and join us to discuss the project and share your thoughts on Saturday 15th April at The Riverside Centre, Newport from 1.30pm.

Contact: Sue Bailey/Neil Oliver by emailing – [email protected]