AspenHof Cohousing Exeter consultation
|
Thank you for visiting the Cohousing Exeter consultation website.
Neighbours will receive notifications of the planning submission which will give details of how to submit formal comments on this application prior to any approval. |
About the project
|
Cohousing Exeter is a collaborative, community-led housing project that brings people together to shape an intentional, supportive, and sustainable neighbourhood for later life. It is being delivered in partnership between AspenHof, Exeter Cohousing Group, Community Led Homes and Pollard Thomas Edwards (PTE). Together, these partners share a vision for homes that enable independence, social connection, and wellbeing, creating a community that supports active ageing through mutual support rather than dependency.
The project forms part of Community Led Homes’ Build Belonging initiative - an approach that invites future residents to co-design both their homes and the social fabric that will define their community. Unlike most cohousing schemes, it begins with a developer and a defined site already in place. This means residents can focus on the exciting part - shaping where and how they live - while AspenHof manages the complex aspects of development, from risk and compliance to delivery and long-term stewardship. The model blends resident participation with professional expertise to ensure both creativity and reliability. Working with Exeter Cohousing Group through a series of co-design workshops, residents will influence the layout, landscape, shared spaces, and community principles that underpin the project. The result will be a place where people can live well and stay active, supported by neighbours who look out for one another - not after one another, not a care community but a community that cares. Sustainability is embedded throughout - not as a checklist, but as a way of life. A fabric-first approach, energy-efficient materials, and thoughtful landscape design will reduce whole-life carbon and running costs, while promoting long-term comfort and environmental responsibility. Pollard Thomas Edwards brings extensive experience in community-led and age-friendly design, ensuring that Cohousing Exeter balances individuality with collective wellbeing. The development will demonstrate how active ageing, environmental stewardship, and social connection can thrive together - a model for a sustainable, empowering community where residents maintain agency, purpose, and belonging. |
|
Consultation banners - Wednesday 13th May 2026
About the team
Client: AspenHof (developer, part of Aspen Retirement)
AspenHof, part of Aspen Retirement, reimagines later living through its “Active Ageing by Design” philosophy. With over 20 years’ experience, it creates vibrant communities that foster independence, wellbeing, and connection. Each development blends thoughtful design and shared spaces to help residents live confidently and purposefully throughout their later years. www.aspenretirement.co.uk/aspenhof 
Client: Cohousing Exeter (Cohousing group)
Cohousing Exeter is a newly forming community project focused on neighbourly living and active ageing. It aims to bring people together around shared values, private homes plus communal spaces, working with a developer and future residents to co-design homes “with community baked in.” The goal: reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and offer a supportive, vibrant way of living in later life. www.cohousingexeter.com Landscape: Greenwood Hill Local authority: Exeter City Council Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Vida EA, CDM, Quantity Surveyor: Kirkham Board |
Adviser: Community Led Homes (part of CDS Co-operatives)
Community Led Homes is a UK organisation empowering people to shape their housing through community land trusts, co-housing, and co-operatives. Offering guidance, support, and tools, it helps communities create affordable, sustainable homes they control. By putting people first in planning, design and ownership, they promote fairness, security, and belonging. www.communityled.homes 
Architect: Pollard Thomas Edwards
Pollard Thomas Edwards is an architecture practice specialising in the design of homes, neighbourhoods, public and mixed-use buildings. Since its beginnings in the 1970s, PTE has developed a strong track-record working with communities, local authorities and commercial clients to create buildings and places with a distinct people-centric focus. www.pollardthomasedwards.co.uk |