Community Land Trusts

Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are non-profit, community-based organisations run by representative (volunteer) directors who develop housing and other assets owned and controlled by the community. A CLT stewards shared community assets– securing land by purchase, gift or leasehold.

A CLT is not a legal entity, so it can be organised legally in a way that suits its income streams and governance. The idea of a CLT doesn’t change however–it’s a ‘trust’ held for and by the community it serves.  
 
CLT assets (often homes) are made available permanently at affordable levels. These are let and/or part-sold to people with a local connection in perpetuity, and at ‘locks’ no more than 80% of open market levels with the CLT often retaining a share of leasehold ownership. These properties are not subject to Right-to-Buy legislation and cannot be sold on the open market, thus retaining for the community a value-adding asset. 
 
CLT membership is open to all who live or work in the defined community. The members elect a volunteer board, comprised of people living within the community to direct the trust. They are able to conduct day to day business for their schemes themselves or set up a management contract with a partner organisation to do so. 
 
Recently, various government grant schemes have made funding available for Community Led Housing, which is development led by the community rather than a landowner or developer, for which CLTs are the most popular delivery model. This funding can cover anything from initial set up costs, technical assistance and build costs. 
 
If you would like to find out more about Community Led Housing or setting up a CLT, please contact DCHH via info@devoncommunities.org.uk