HOME PRESTEIGNE IS A COOPERATIVE
ORGANISATION FOR HOUSING
It was set up so that people of the Presteigne area may plan, build, refurbish and own, sustainable and affordable homes.
Local Solutions
We know from the Presteigne and Norton Housing Survey (2011) that there are people who need affordable housing in this area. These people include elderly residents looking to downsize and families with youngsters needing independent housing.
Through our organisation, it could be possible to build/refurbish homes, make them much more energy efficient and keep them available for local people at permanently affordable levels.
At the same time, each Home Presteigne building or refurbishment project could also create local work and support the local economy.
Business Plan
To prepare for the next 3 years a broader business strategy for Home Presteigne has been produced. This sets out ambitions for a range of housing provision supported by a carefully planned legal structure and financial management system. The Business Plan is in print and also available to download as a PDF here
Home Presteigne is a cooperative organisation called a Community Benefit Society. This means that the organisation is run primarily for the benefit of the community at large, many of whom it is hoped will be members of the society, with democratic decision-making built into its structure.
MISSION
Home Presteigne aims to:
- Address the need for affordable housing provision in the Presteigne and Radnorshire area by putting people and place first.
- Build with improved energy performance, so that people’s circumstances may be more resilient, especially in the face of rising energy costs.
- Make it possible to hold developed land for the community so that prices can be kept affordable based on local wage levels.
Affordable housing
The Presteigne area is attractive and developers can command relatively high prices for property. However, many Radnorshire wages are at or near minimum levels. Home Presteigne plans to build/refurbish homes to meet community need, with the intention to hold the land “in perpetuity” for the town. This could help to keep a more balanced population, since future rental and sales of these properties would remain affordable.
Community first
It’s important to Home Presteigne that community comes first. People living and working here want to be confident that new builds or refurbishments will benefit and complement the existing community. The organisation will allow all kinds of people to get involved and develop the project themselves.
Local Resources and Local Jobs
Home Presteigne will support local suppliers, component manufacturers and craftsmen wherever possible and also look to provide a percentage of live-work units for local entrepreneurs. We are convinced that new builds and refurbishments could create more local employment, apprenticeships and long-term community benefits.
Energy Performance
Home Presteigne aims to commission housing that is environmentally sustainable, with excellent energy performance, and a low environmental footprint. Reducing energy consumption is a robust long-term policy for affordable living, as well as cutting carbon and minimising waste.
GOVERNANCE
Home Presteigne is currently run by a steering group of members, directors and founder members along with two representatives of the town council. In the future, a board of directors will be formed who will be responsible for the governance of Home Presteigne. The Board will be members who are local residents, people with particular skills that are required, and representatives of local community groups.
It is the responsibility of the board members to declare an interest, where appropriate, when matters are being discussed in which the board member has a financial or other interest. Further details are in the constitution.