Community land trusts are set up and run by ordinary people to develop and manage homes as well as other community assets. They are non-profit corporations. CLTs act as long-term stewards of housing, ensuring that it remains genuinely affordable, based on what people actually earn in their area, not just for now, but for every future occupier. It is run by the members of the community for the community.

The first CLT was formed under new legislation in 2010

By 2013, there were 85 CLT’s. This increased to 170 by the end of 2016 and Homes England expect the number of UK CLT’s to grow to 300 by the end of 2019. Membership levels in the UK are 17000.

Yes, 935 homes have been completed and are occupied and there are some 16000 in the pipeline, having either secured planning or are under construction.

Yes, considerably more as applications would be on behalf of the local community and therefore fully supported by its members.

There are £160m of grants available to help local community land trusts. This funding is currently available up until 2020. Homes England are looking to extend this date and apply for further funding. Grants are currently available for:

• Start-up costs
• Architect fees
• Feasibility studies
• Land purchase
• Development/construction costs
• Legal advice

FCLT would be involved in the design, layout and quality of our group of houses. They would be built to suit our ‘needs survey’, to our requirements in terms of size and external finishes. We all drive past nondescript developments that are built to suit the developer, not the local people, landscape and surroundings. As FCLT we can create a development that we as a community are proud of that also our needs. These are properties for the community and not for profit. Any acquisition that the FCLT undertakes if structured correctly would mean that we can have a huge input over the amount of rent being charged to ensure that the local housing is affordable, sustainable and linked to local earnings. This will help local people to stay in the area and these properties can be used by future generations. Membership of FCLT is only open only to the local community meaning that everyone in the parish has the opportunity to become involved. It gives the community the control to make our area a better place to live. The FCLT is locally owned, locally controlled and democratically accountable to local people. We will not be beholden to the whims of local authorities when shaping our community. Affordable housing and other community schemes can be achieved through the FCLT, controlled directly by its members, the local community. Occasionally a CLT can secure land which is not in any development plan. In such circumstances a CLT could apply and secure planning permission that would not be granted to any other organisation.

Quite simply when negotiating for grants loans or trying to make a statement with planners the more members the FCLT has the stronger its case. By way of an example, the Lyme Regis CLT wanted to construct affordable housing in an area on the edge of their village, but the planners preferred a different location and refused their initial application. When the Lyme Regis CLT appealed this decision, the deciding factor in their success was the sheer weight of local support. With a large proportion of their community being members, the CLT was able to demonstrate that they represented the wishes of the local community.

Yes! We would like two membership forms completed and the payment of £1.00 for each of you. The more members we have, the more weight we carry in meetings with the council planning department.

To become a member you need to buy one share costing £1.00. You can purchase more shares, but you only get one vote.

No, £1.00 provides you with life membership which is not transferable. You must be over 16 years of age to become a member.

There is a membership application form on this website which can be downloaded and printed. Please bring this form to our meeting on the 21st September along with appropriate fee in cheque or cash. You can also pay by bank transfer using the following details: Account name: Frittenden Community Land Trust. Account number 30130034 and sort code 60-06-18

Yes of course, please send these or deliver them to Stewart Hagerty, The FCLT Secretary Frittenden House, The Street, Frittenden, TN17 2DG. If you have any further questions please contact Stewart Hagerty on 07808 791046 or info@frittendenclt.org.uk and I will endeavour to answer any queries that you may have.