An event looking at an innovative solution to the housing crisis is taking place in a Pembrokeshire town tomorrow, Thursday, September 19.

PLANED is hosting a public drop-in event in Fishguard on Thursday, September 19, where members of the public can learn more about options available to their community to provide housing at an affordable cost, ring fenced for members of their community and controlled by the community forever.

Community led housing includes co-housing, building for social rent, building for shared ownership or converting a building for mixed use which includes residential use and self-build.

Every community is unique and those who live in their community know it best.

PLANED, with over 36 years of experience in delivery for communities in Pembrokeshire, currently has resources to finance the initial set up, and then to guide communities in setting up a community governed group which can then control a Community Land Trust.

The event will take place in Fishguard Town Hall from 9am until 1pm and from 4pm until 7pm.

“The housing crisis is not easing,” said Sarah Foster, community led housing development officer with PLANED.

“Community led housing enables people on the ground, in their communities, to take control and do something about it. It’s not a project for the faint hearted but is growing in popularity. Much has been learned in recent years and there are many successfully completed schemes, particularly in south-west England, where there has been political and financial support.

“We hope that by hosting informal public drop in events we can raise awareness of the options and provide support where there is an appetite for community led housing.”