A sense of place
Living Villages’ determination to create a village-like and neighbourly environment - ‘a sense of place’ - has been spawned from years of research by The Living Village Trust. It is based on the premise of establishing secure and identifiable neighbourhoods in which people can relate to where they live, and with whom they live, while feeling safe both inside and outside their homes. The overall effect of this is a sense of community and a building of trust and eco-friendly values amongst residents, all working together towards the goal of reducing carbon emissions.
Management
The Wintles includes land that is shared by the residents which is used for recreation, gardening, sport, woodland, orchards and allotments. Each household has an automatic share in the ownership and control of these areas via a residents’ management company. This company operates in the same way as a conventional management company for people who live in apartments with a shared lobby, or facilities such as a gym. When the development is completed, the residents take over the ownership and control of the shared areas of the site.
Through the management company residents are empowered to do things like set up car clubs which reduce environmental pollution, bulk-purchase telephone time or power supplies from green sources, organise local food supply chains, childcare or care of the elderly, or build new facilities like health clubs. Each of the households has the opportunity to participate in the running of the residents’ company and to vote on suggestions made. Likewise, residents will be responsible for their share of the costs of facilities or amenities that the residents’ company provides. After a development is complete, Living Villages does not have any power or involvement in the management company.
Allotments
Allotments are a prime example of a lifestyle choice that greatly aids the environment. Those at The Wintles have been established to encourage residents to get involved in gardening and growing their own food. The allotments also bring neighbours together as the residents pool resources and share both food and advice from one grower to the next.
The village green
The Living Villages model is to build communities of between 35 and 85 houses in clusters of 12. Each cluster is centred on a village green so that neighbours may come together, get to know one another and have a central focal point in which communal activities can take place. It also enables children to play in a safe and supervised area.
Car ports
The natural and harmonious aesthetics of The Wintles stem from the building materials and the visible use of wood but are furthered by the use of car ports. These are positioned away from the village green and hidden out of sight so as not to disturb the look of the development. This also encourages people to walk and makes the development an even safer place to be, especially for children playing. The Wintles is a pedestrian priority zone in which residents can enjoy a protected shared space.
Open porches
Porches are a feature at the front of each home, further emphasising the invitational quality of a Living Villages’ development. Open porches allow residents to sit outside on wooden decking and overlook their neighbourhood, watching children play or dogs being taken for a walk.
