The first of 20 families have just moved into a radical new housing scheme that could be a model for tackling the UK's housing crisis and carbon reduction targets in one. Located in Bramley, West Leeds, Lilac is the UK's largest scheme to be constructed from straw bales. It is also a genuinely affordable form of home ownership as someone on £15,500 a year can move into a one bedroom flat on the development for just 35% of their net income. It is the UK's first mutual home ownership society with the idea that it provides affordable homes that can't be sold off for big profits, ensuring the homes will remain affordable for subsequent generations. It is also a co-housing scheme where members share facilities in a co-house, which includes a laundry, communal cooking and eating space, a play area and office space.
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