12 September 2013
A self build project looks certain to stall unless it wins a planning appeal and finds new support for its group.
The ‘Rampartners’ – an independent community collaboration – hopes to build five four-bed two-bath eco houses in the shadow of the ruins of Hastings Castle, on Castle Hill Road.
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An early scheme looked to deliver a sustainable development; comprising seven zero carbon homes (pictured), including a healing arts centre with associated shop and activity space. The homes were to feature biomass boilers, wind energy generators and solar panels.
Disagreements caused the group to prematurely dissolve – some members were unhappy with the commercial aspect of the project and further problems ensued when cash buyers did not want to collaborate with those seeking loans and mortgages. Currently only two members remain, and more are needed to push the project forward.
Now new proposals have been drawn up and submitted for a residential-only development featuring a terrace of just five homes; an eco-element remains with the inclusion of Mechanical Heat Recovery Units. However this has also hit the buffers due to a planning refusal, and the group awaits an appeal site visit later this month with a decision pending in October.
Neil Brown, project manager for the Rampartners, is already a seasoned self builder – having built his own house. “The whole thing was to be a speculative build initially,” he said, “but following the economic downturn, the decision was taken to form a self build/co-housing group to make it a reality.”
“At the moment we’re committed to reaching a decision either way with this appeal to provide more options. The foundations are in and we’re ready to proceed. If we can create a group who are happy to deliver the original mixed use proposal then we’d still pursue this.”
It is estimated that each home would cost £180,000 to build plus an additional £100,000 for the plot. Current valuations see the finished homes fetching £400,000.
The original mixed use proposal can be seen here.
