World cities - Community Land Trusts

Community Land Trusts

What?

Community Land Trusts are local organisations set up and run by ordinary people to develop and manage homes as well as other assets important to that community, like community enterprises, food growing or workspaces. The CLT’s main task is to make sure these homes are genuinely affordable, based on what people actually earn in their area, not just for now but for every future occupier.

Why?

As a nation we are building less than half the homes we need just to keep up with the new households forming each year. Private rents are soaring in many parts of the country and house prices are continuing to rise.  At the same time in other parts of the country there are whole neighbourhoods blighted by empty properties, disinvestment and failed regeneration initiatives.

This is hurting communities and, in response, a rising number of communities are deciding to set up Community Land Trusts.

Case study - Granby Four Streets, Liverpool

• 4 roads in south east Liverpool were built in the 1890s and fell into despair after riots in 1981. Hundreds moved away and many homes were left derelict.
• After 30 years remaining residents established a community land trust and have since refurbished 10 homes.
• Plants were planted and murals were painted the make the area look more attractive.
• It has helped create a strong community with a new monthly market.
• It has made more people set up business in an area with a new hairdressers opening within six month of the refurbishments. 
• They used simple, low cost materials to keep the prices of the houses as low as possible.
• Their work earned them the Turner prize.