We believe that new housing should be well designed, zero carbon and of benefit to the community. This is especially true in an age where environmental sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity.

Our vision is for homes that enhance our village. We are committed to making our development one we can be proud of, with open green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

We have brought together a team of leading professionals who share our vision. This team have collectively built thousands of houses; are experts in innovation, community-led housing, sustainability and offsite construction methods.

This is why we can do it.

Chris Cooper, Tom Rushby, Alex Templeton

Founding directors of Botley Community Land Trust

Our Purpose

To create beautiful housing in Botley that is net zero, climate resilient, and designed to enhance the wellbeing of residents.

  • A community-first ethos: we develop the site in a way that is transparent and involves the community
  • Making environmental principles central to the design philosophy. For example:
    • Using natural solutions wherever possible to reduce negative impacts and increase resilience to a changing climate
    • Integrating natural features of the landscape into the design
  • Connecting any new settlement aesthetically with the existing parish
  • Creating a place where people want to live and be part of an active community
  • Providing affordable homes for key workers and local families
  • Part of any development remains in community ownership, creating an asset that generates revenue for Botley
  • Profits from the Land Trust are reinvested in community priorities because Botley Community Land Trust is a Community Benefit Society
  • A development Botley can be proud of.

Our Approach

We will develop homes in a way that minimises the environmental and ecological demands it places on the community, local infrastructure and ecosystems.

What this means in practice:

  • Homes that are net zero and climate-resilient
  • Generating as much energy onsite as possible
  • Creating shared natural spaces
  • Connecting a development with the rest of Botley with paths and cycle routes to promote active travel
  • Improving access to the surrounding countryside
  • Enhancing biodiversity
  • Recycling grey water onsite

* Images from The Wintles, a new community designed by the Village Makers team showing exactly what a new development could look like.

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