COMMUNITY groups have met to talk about the highs and lows of trying to alleviate the housing crisis.

As properties and renting are becoming increasingly unaffordable for many in Brighton, people want to take control of their housing and create alternatives to the limited choices in the current housing market.

These include building eco-homes and bunker houses to assist low income families.

Community-led housing groups and residents met at the University of Brighton on Saturday to discuss issues including funding, challenges they have faced and the projects they are planning.

Martyn Holmes, director of Brighton and Hove Community Land Trust (BHCLT) and the Bunker Housing Co-operative, said: “We are building two three-bedroom homes on council land in Hollingdean. These eco homes are affordable, for example they will include features like triple glazed glass to conserve heat in the house.

“The city council is supportive of this and the eco homes are for people who are eligible for council housing.

“We have the same criteria as the city council.

“This is to address the housing crisis in the city and many people are struggling to afford homes.”

Amy Hall, communications officer for BHCLT, said: “Brighton and Hove has a strong history in community-led housing.

“In the last year, more than 150 people in the city have been involved in developing their own housing projects.

“For everyone here, it’s about trying to find an alternative solution for affordable housing in the city.

“Many people don’t want to move out of the city because of reasons like jobs, families and friends and they have lived in Brighton and Hove for a long time.

“But the rise in housing prices have made it difficult for many families and it does not give them a stability.”

Ms Hall said that while many people have come up with innovative ideas, they are still facing challenges.

She said: “Getting funding is one of the obstacles, along with finding vacant land.

“It’s hard in Brighton because we have a seafront and national park.”

Member of Sussex Cohousing Julian Howell said: “Our vision is each household has a self-contained home and the community shares some resources and activities.

“The homes will be mixed tenure and be as accessible and affordable as is feasible.

“We have identified potential sites to build these homes.

We have a lot of good ideas but our challenges include finding funding and getting organised and working as a group.”