The people of Hook Norton recognised a need for affordable homes that would have a positive impact on the environment and the local community. The local Low Carbon group identified a piece of neglected and overgrown land owned by the council and the seed was sown to develop an affordable and sustainable housing development for those in need and with a strong local connection.

An extensive community engagement process shaped the project throughout its development through a series of interviews, surveys and open meetings. With an ambitious sustainability strategy at its heart, the project set itself the target of being carbon neutral both during construction and in occupation.

The development consists of 12 dwellings centred around a shared garden. Four two bedroom homes are now on sale and eight affordable rental units are in the process of being allocated to people with local connections. Early on, a requirement for a community building, accessible at all times, was identified in the community engagement process and a multi-use space has been created for use by all residents of Hook Norton.

From the outset this project has been about community. It serves as a model for other communities looking to address their housing challenges.

Hook Norton Community Housing has won several awards:

Evening Standard New Homes Awards 2024 - Best Low Carbon Homes Award

Unlock Net Zero Awards 2024  - Collaboration of the Year for Hook Norton Community Land Trust & Greencore

Inside Housing Development Awards 2024  - Best Affordable Housing Development less than £5m

Building Awards 2024 - Net Zero Award Finalists

Climate Action Awards 2024 - Innovation in Climate Action

Photography by Stef Calleja-Gera