2014 · 19 homes
Fieldfare Close
Our first co-op homes, built on a former parish field.
About the co-op
Built by neighbours, for neighbours.
Fieldfare Housing Co-op is a not-for-profit developer owned by its members. We build homes people can afford, in places they want to stay — and we never sell to investors.
Our story
It started with a kitchen table.
In 2011, twelve families in Ashby Vale couldn't find homes they could afford near their schools and jobs. They formed a co-op, bought a field from the parish and built nineteen homes with a local builder. That was Fieldfare Close.
Every surplus since then has gone into the next neighbourhood. Willow Commons is our third, and the first with homes for social rent alongside homes for sale.
How decisions are made
One household, one vote.
- 1
Members propose
Any household can bring an idea — a new bench, a car club, a change to the rules.
- 2
Groups explore
Volunteer working groups look at costs and options, with help from our small staff team.
- 3
Everyone votes
Decisions are made at four members' meetings a year, in person or online.
- 4
We do it together
Our staff team and contractors put it into action — and report back.
Our neighbourhoods
Three places, one idea.
2020 · 36 homes
Orchard Row
Co-housing around a restored Victorian orchard.
2027 · 64 homes
Willow Commons
Our largest yet, with homes for every budget.
The team
Small staff, big membership.
Five staff, a board of nine elected members and 340 member households across our three neighbourhoods.
- Ruth AdeyemiChair of the board
- Dan MorleyDevelopment manager
- Sofia KowalskaCommunity organiser
- James PryorHomes & sales
- Lin HuFinance
- Grace ObiGardens & grounds
Working with
- ArchitectsHearth & Field Architects
- BuilderVale Timber Build
- LandscapeCommon Ground Gardens
- Social rent partnerAshby Vale District Council