Lyvennet Community Trust: rapid journey of getting homes on the ground
Lyvennet Community Trust, based in one of the Government's Big Society Vanguard locations in Cumbria, was formed following a housing needs survey carried out by Cumbria Rural Housing Trust (CRHT) in 2008. The survey identified a need for 23 homes in the parish of Crosby Ravensworth ; Lyvennet CT will provide 20 of these.
12 affordable homes are being built (10 rented and 2 shared ownership) and a further 8 properties are included as serviced self-build plots, for local households who had expressed a desire to be more involved in the design of their homes. All 20 homes will have local occupancy restrictions.
The group formed as a legal entity in 2009. Charitable funding helped cover professional fees incurred in developing the scheme. In addition to registering as a charity, the LCT is also a registered provider of social housing.
Further initiatives following the housing development include the cooperative purchase of the village pub in June 2010. The pub opened in August 2011 thanks to a £75,000 refurbishment and 4000 hours of volunteer input. The group also have plans to add further services to the pub including a shop, library, and facilities for the elderly.
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Visit Lyvennet Community Trust's website here.