Rethinking Rural Development: How Alignment of Planning Policy Enables Sustainable Hamlets

In this episode Zola interviews Steven Liaros to discuss the importance and the roadmap to create a network of Circular Economy Villages (CEV). These villages aim to integrate private housing development with public infrastructure to alleviate stress on local governments and create sustainable, regenerative rural and peri-urban communities. Steven delves into the critical barriers that traditional eco-village projects face, such as local area planning policies, financing, and necessary infrastructure. The CEV model addresses these issues by incorporating principles of the circular economy, emphasizing reduced waste and enhanced efficiency in energy and water usage, and fostering climate resilience. The episode highlights the benefits of this model for rural areas and its role in enabling local governments to collaborate efficiently. The discussion also covers the strategic planning and financial strategies that are key to making these villages a reality. And, Steven envisions it being a really great place to live where people know their neighbours and share resources and activities and where folks who are a bit nomadic yet with a desire for belonging can find a community within a CEV. 05:36 Vision of Circular Economy Villages 06:32 Daily Life in a Circular Economy Village 10:20 Community Governance and Infrastructure 14:15 Planning and Financing Challenges 17:22 Engaging Local Governments and Investors 25:31 Personal Journey and Motivation 51:24 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Find two explanatory videos on the CEV on Steven's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@steven_liaros?si=_Av-PyiCkOSA2NbJ Circular Economy Village website: https://www.cevco.life/ Common Ground: https://www.commonground.net.nz/ Women Revolutionising Housing: https://www.commonground.net.nz/women-revolutionising-housing-hui-2025 Join the Homefullness Community: https://www.patreon.com/commonground_zola