19 February 2015
Former members of the armed forces are being given the chance to self build homes for themselves at two sites in the West Country, as part of a scheme to provide affordable housing for ex-service personnel.
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The projects are masterminded by the Community Self Build Agency (CSBA) which helps form the groups of self builders: veterans trying to access housing and a path back into the local community. They work alongside the contractor, training on-the-job, in all aspects of the build from land clearance through to piling and fixing insulation. Some do have previous experience in homebuilding as electricians and plumbers but conforming to construction regulations is also mandatory with the self builders embarking on the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and the Site Manager Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS).
In Bristol, the self builders are constructing twelve one and two-bedroom flats with two adapted for people with disabilities. The site was purchased from Places for People by the Knightstone Housing Associstion after Bristol City Council suggested that the plot might by suitable for an affordable self build housing project. Work on the homes, designed by architects Powell Dobson and built by Bullock Construction, started last October and is hoped to be completed by September.
Meanwhile, in Plymouth, planning permission has been granted for a scheme known as the ‘Nelson Project’ which will see the same number of homes built. Design work including dwelling footprints, external elevations and internal options is underway with the self builders yet to be consulted. A contractor will be shortlisted next month for the project – supported by DCH (formerly Devon and Cornwall Housing), Plymouth City Council and Alabare Christian Care & Support’s Plymouth Homes for Veterans – with work on site starting in May and taking around 12 months to complete.
The CSBA holds consultations with the self builders to establish how each veteran would like their home to appear. A loosely-set design code on each project sees the external works remain fixed with the self builders working flexibly with the architects on the internal layout of the homes.
John Gillespie, CSBA National Development Director, said: “It would take a contractor around 28-30 weeks, without any additional input, to deliver one of these projects. However, we request that more time is taken in the delivery so the whole experience becomes a meaningful one for the self builders. The contractors can then work with them and get to know them – it’s a positive move and its one that we encourage.”
