Canney Communities CIC is a community-led housing project with a powerful vision – to create accessible homes for disabled people in County Durham. Driven by a deep belief in the right of young disabled adults to live independently, the group has worked with tenacity and heart to turn their vision into a reality.
The journey began just before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the group received support to carry out a housing needs survey. With no previous housing experience, the group received ongoing support from Communities CAN, particularly from Director Pete Duncan. One of Canney’s Directors has since trained as a Housing Enabler, building in-house expertise and helping the group navigate the complex process of developing homes.
It hasn’t been easy. The higher costs associated with accessible housing, along with the typical hurdles faced by any community-led project, meant progress was often slow and challenging. But three years, two successful Community Housing Fund applications, and plenty of learning later, the group recently secured full planning permission for 14 accessible homes in Bishop Auckland, subject to a Section 106 agreement.
Now formally established as a Community Interest Company, Canney Communities CIC continues to benefit from strong partnerships with Communities CAN, the local authority, and other professionals. They’ve built connections with local health commissioners and taken part in numerous training sessions to grow their knowledge and confidence.
Overcoming Obstacles
One of the biggest hurdles came when a neighbouring landowner disputed access rights to the site. With legal advice and support from Communities CAN, Canney Communities carried out enabling works, including fencing and a gate, to demonstrate ownership and resolve the issue, helping to unlock planning approval.
The team is now looking for a Registered Provider (RP) to partner with them and bring the homes to life.
Lauren Tinkler, Director of Canney Communities CIC, said:
“We’ve had invaluable support from Communities CAN right from the start, when we first began researching community-led housing and came across another project they’d supported. Their expertise and advice have kept us motivated and on the right track throughout.
We’ve also been lucky to secure small grants at key stages. The latest helped us secure site access at a time when other funding wasn’t available — a vital step in attracting investment to move the project forward.”
The homes will support families like Rebecca’s. She joined Canney Communities after struggling to find a suitable property for her son.
“When we started looking for accessible housing, we had no idea how few options were out there. After more than three years of searching, we’d only viewed two properties — neither of which met our son’s needs. That search led me to Canney Communities, and I joined the team to help make a difference.
“I want to increase the availability of accessible housing and raise awareness of how urgently it’s needed, by sharing our family’s experience.”
Canney Communities is an inspiring example of what’s possible when local people come together to solve a problem that affects their own community. While there are still challenges ahead, their determination and community spirit have already laid strong foundations for a project that will have a lasting impact in County Durham.
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Photo L-R: Neil Cawson – Housing Advisor from Carr and Cawson, Rebecca Bennett – Director, Lauren Tinkler – Director, Tracey Gedling – Secretary, Rose Seabury – Chairperson.
