THE people behind an ambitious plan for low cost co-owned housing have secured thousands in grants and are planning their first residents’ meeting.

The YorSpace team say they are making positive progress with their plans for a corner of the Lowfield Green site in Acomb, the site of the former Lowfield School.

They have won nearly £100,000 in funding in the last three months, and will soon be hosting their first residents’ meeting to give people an update, talk about the allocations policy for those who want to move in, and have a walk around the site.

Joint founder and director of the group Susannah Bird said: “We believe local communities should create and control local housing.

“Our meeting in February aims to provide a forum where the future residents and local community can come together to combine their aspirations and create the housing they want for the future.

“The meeting is open to all and we invite all members of the community to come along, join YorSpace and get involved.”

The meeting will be held on Saturday, February 10, from 1.30pm at Acomb Explore Library. Register to attend via Eventbrite.

Grants confirmed in the last three months include £30,000 from a National Lottery charity to buy the land, £40,000 from Locality to get the project through planning, and £15,000 from a social entrepreneurs fund to finance the business plan for a community share offer.

YorSpace’s overall plans are for 19 homes made up of one and two bed flats and two, three and four bed houses, shared outside space, a community building and other shared facilities.

The volunteer-led group is also planning a series of workshops to give prospective residents chance to collaborate on the design and appearance of their future homes.

YorSpace’s plans are already included in the council’s outline proposals for housing on Lowfield Green, and the group is hoping to push ahead with the purchase and put in detailed planning applications in time to have the homes ready for residents by Christmas 2019.