Blazing a Trail for Community-Led Development

3 Consulting has been appointed to the Design Team for Atmos Totnes in a trailblazing new community-led development project in Totnes, South Devon.

Atmos Totnes is the first community-led project in the UK that is developing a former industrial site using a Community Right to Build Order.

D3 is part of the Design Team and will advise on land contamination issues and demolition, as well as acting as CDM (Construction Design and Management) Advisor. The site is a former Dairy Crest site that includes a Grade II Listed building built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel as part of the unfinished South Devon Atmospheric Railway.

Martin Bjerregaard said: “This is a pioneering initiative that is leading the way for communities to take greater control of the development taking place on their doorstep. It hands power back to local people and keeps any subsequent profits within the community rather than being siphoned off to private developers.”

The project is being managed by Totnes Community Development Society. The patrons are Jonathan Dimbleby, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Tim Smit and Kevin McCloud.

Kevin McCloud said: “For years and years, development has been top-down…. I’m much more interested in the Gandhian approach, the bottom-up democratic where people as communities work together to empower themselves to take control … there’s nothing more exciting than seeing people taking control for where they live.”

Community Right to Build was introduced in April 2012 as part of the Localism Act 2011, which is all about devolving more decision-making powers from central Government back into the hands of individuals, communities and councils.

We will keep you updated about the details this historic development as and when they occur. In the meantime if you have any questions please contact Martin.

CONTACT D3 CONSULTING

If you'd like to discuss your requirements with on of the team, please do call the office on +44 (0)1803 840888.

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