Community Land Trusts: Opportunities for Communities

Presentation to the East of England Rural Forum 25th April 2012

Steve Clarke – Director, Foundation East

www.clteast.org

Introduction…

About me;

Foundation East;

National CLT Network;

www.clteast.org

The current context…

Housing & Regeneration Act 2008;

National CLT Demonstration Project;

Localism Bill;

HCA Community-led funding;

Continuing housing crisis.

www.clteast.org

Community Land Trusts…

Established to further social, economic and environmental interests of a local community…

…managing land and assets;

…benefit the local community;

…asset lock;

Profits solely to benefit the local community;

Membership open to all who live or work in the specified area;

Members control the Trust.

www.clteast.org

Why do communities choose a CLT?

Locally driven, controlled and democratically accountable.

Respond to specific need at a very local level

Create assets that are permanently affordable.

Give the community an income generating asset for the future. Empower local communities by mobilising local skills.

Create new land opportunities

www.clteast.org

How are CLTs Run

Existing or new organisations.

CLT controlled by members who elect board.

Board is the steward of the asset.

Typically director’s from 3 groups:

Beneficiary community and future users;

Non-local representatives with useful skills;

Broader community / public interest stakeholders

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CLT development in the UK…

80 + CLT’s;

7 Regional CLT support umbrella’s

225 homes built;

250 in pipeline;

Most homes built in areas with support umbrella’s;

But mostly rural schemes.

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Case Study: Homes for Wells CLT, Norfolk…

20% housing second homes

91 households in need

CLT established 2006

Funded by private donations

Now owns and manages 15 homes

Let to key-workers / people with local connection

Plans for 10 – 15 new homes

Foundation East providing support and technical advice

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East Cambridgeshire District Council

Forming a CLT for Stretham, Wilburton and Little Thetford

Plan to develop a range of homes including market housing and affordable housing

Also include small workspace units?

Community to decide scale, mix and location

Working with the housing department to design a local lettings policy

Working with Planning department to develop specific planning policy in the Core Strategy to allow Community-led development.

Opportunity for other villages to do the same.

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Stradishall, Suffolk

HERA / Parish Council / St Edmundsbury

Estate regeneration as spin-off from development

Land to be gifted by Ministry of Justice

Community will own land / houses to be managed by Housing association

Trust to manage local estate roads, lighting, drainage, green space etc

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The CLT Fund

Feasibility

Technical Assistance

Pre development

Development finance

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