Homes for Hooky Open Day called a 'resounding success'

More than 100 people attended the Homes for Hooky event on May 18 to view the affordable, community-led homes at Bourne Green.

The Hook Norton Community Land Trust, which organised the event, said: "The overwhelming local support was heart-warming, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming tenants once the project is fully completed."

The Homes for Hooky Open Day (Image: Hook Norton Community Land Trust)

Visitors were given tours of the homes and were said to be impressed by the finish in both the affordable homes for rent and the homes for sale.

Some commented on the spaciousness of the properties and heard about the energy savings, and lower energy bills, that each home will achieve.

The project team was able to demonstrate how these properties could directly address the needs of individuals experiencing fuel poverty.

Prospective tenants had the opportunity to get a first look at the interiors ahead of the upcoming allocations process.

Henry Leivers from SNRG, which specialises in renewable energy systems, explained the benefits of the sites microgrid technology, such as how it powers all the buildings and the electric vehicle car club in the community.

He also explained how the community's 100kWh battery has the potential to store surplus energy for use during peak demand.

This positions Bourne Green as the first UK community housing development with fewer than 30 homes to feature a smart microgrid.

The open day was also attended by politicians, including Banbury MP Victoria Prentis, Labour's parliamentary candidate Sean Woodcock, and the Green Party's Arron Baker.

Mr Baker said: "Housing building is a huge contributor to our carbon emissions, accounting for 17 per cent of the UK's total CO2 emissions.

"Additionally, housing has become unaffordable for many, exacerbating inequality.

"Pioneering community projects like this pave the way for a new era of house building that reduces carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent.

"Well done to all those involved, we now just need to remove the barriers for more sustainable housing going forward."

One-third of the target funds have been achieved through the community share raise and the deadline to reach the minimum target of £300,000 has been extended until July 20.

The trust said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to invest in affordable housing, supporting local people in housing need and promoting sustainable living."

Potential investors can learn more about how to get involved by visiting the Hook Norton CLT Share Offer website.

Those wishing to become a member of the Hook Norton Community Land Trust have been invited to contact the trust.