Since 2010, 56 Community Land Trusts have partnered with 26 housing associations to develop 814 new affordable homes across England and Wales.
The partnership works best when addressing a shared challenge. Communities need more affordable homes in their place. But housing associations may face higher risks to develop if they’re in a national park or a remote rural location, or they may have a site that has stalled. Working together, and with a specialist enabler facilitating the partnership, they can unlock the opportunity
In a nutshell
The Community Land Trust and their specialist enabler act like a land promoter, de-risking schemes by securing the land, a planning consent and the backing of the local community. The CLT might also own and look after connected assets like open space and gardens, a new shop or post office, or some other amenity.
The housing association finances, builds and manages the affordable homes, leasing the assets from the freeholder CLT.
The Model in Eight Steps
1
4
Planning consent is obtained (scheme is ‘de-risked’
2
7
The HA operates the homes, let in line with the CLT’s agreed allocation plan – mostly for social rent
5
8
The CLT receives a ground rent, stewards the local connection allocation, and is a vehicle for further community projects
3
The CLT gets pre-development funding and applies for planning permission
6
The HA raises the capital development finance, builds the home
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this take longer?
A study by Sheffield Hallam University found that community-led development is not significantly slower than other forms of development, all other things being equal. Though often projects are on challenging small sites. Up-front investment in the community’s role can speed up progress later.
Is it more expensive?
There is a small additional cost in the index-linked ground rent paid to the CLT for the land, and to the specialist enabler for their role in acting as promoter. HAs may also need to commit additional capacity to the project. Generally HAs have been able to absorb these in scheme costs. Homes England has been supportive with grant rates, not least because community led housing is a priority in the Social and Affordable Homes Programme.
How can this help us?
There is some evidence that CLTs are more likely to obtain land at low values and to secure planning consents, especially when large numbers of local people can persuade committees to overturn officer recommendations of refusal. To date x% of partnership schemes have been approved at planning. Partnering with the CLTs also puts you in a good light with local authorities and Homes England, both of which tend to be keen to support this model, and you can make a strong ESG impact case to investors and other key stakeholders.
Where do I start?
These partnerships usually come together around a specific site: one that is hard to bring forward on its own, in a national park, a remote rural area, or a scheme that has stalled. A CLT secures the land, the planning and the community’s backing; the housing association finances, builds and manages the homes.
We advise housing associations and CLTs on whether this fits a particular site, and how to structure it. Typically that starts with a short, focused piece of work that tests the model against your site, your funding and your delivery, so you have a clear route before you commit.
And if you are already working in partnership and want a hand in shaping where this goes next, CLTN is recruiting a founding cohort of housing associations, local authorities and developers to co-create a cross-sector network for community-led delivery. Free to take part until April 2027.
