FAQs

What is a CLT?

Community Land Trusts were originally developed in the USA in the 1960’s and began to appear in the UK in the early 2000’s; there are now more than 500 CLT’s here with more than 12 in Devon. A CLT is not just for affordable housing; other community projects such as communal gardens, shops, pubs and local work places also benefit from being managed by a CLT. Whatever the cause the concept of the CLT remains the same – the projects are run by the local community who want to make a difference to their area and to ensure they remain a local asset for the long term.

CLT’s have a proven track record on the delivery of Affordable Housing; at the time of the formation of TCLT there were 548 CLT’s in the UK, with 1,100 completed homes and a further 7,100 in the pipeline.

CLTs are owned and run by local people, the Members. Their assets – land, houses etc – must be used for a community benefit. They cannot distribute profits, but must use any made for a community benefit.

Thorverton CLT, like the great majority of CLTs, is a Community Benefit Society (CBS), which is best suited to our needs. These CLTs are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

TCLT has joined the Community Land Trust Network, the UK wide association: communitylandtrusts.org.uk

What is ‘Affordable Housing’?

It can be a confusing landscape!

With the same words – Affordable Housing, Starter Homes etc – meaning different things to different people. Here are the main types that will almost certainly be part of our project.

RENTED HOUSING

  1. SOCIAL RENT: These rents are set by a Govt formula based on local earnings and property values. They are generally 50%-60% of open-market rents.
  2. AFFORDABLE RENT: 80% of open-market rents. 

HOUSING FOR SALE

  1. SHARED OWNERSHIP: People buy a share of the property’s value, typically 20%-50% initially. The remaining share is owned by a Housing Association, and the buyer pays rent on this share, typically 2.75% per year. Buyers can “staircase” up to own a bigger share, but in rural areas stair-casing is often capped at 80%.
  2. DISCOUNTED MARKET SALE: People buy the property, typically for 60%-80% of its open-market value. They own the whole property, but when they sell they can only do so at the same level of discount at which they bought it.

 

 

Will local people get priority when homes are allocated?

It will be important to establish an enforceable arrangement into the planning consent for the project; a local example of where this has worked very well is Upton Pyne Community Land Trust which has been able to fill all their vacancies with village residents.

If the waiting list has no local applicants for future vacancies it is likely they will only be offered to those in the adjacent parishes.

How do I get on the waiting list?

The arrangements for the allocation of homes has not been finalised, but it is likely it will be through Devon Home Choice; please contact us for further details.

How is Thorverton CLT run?

Its Members are the ultimate controlling group. They elect the Directors, who are then responsible for the day-to-day running of the CLT.

How can I join the CLT?

Any local resident can become a Member – it costs just £1 – as long as they support the CLT’s overall objectives and meet some other very basic criteria. For membership information see the ‘My CLT’ section.

Can I become a director?

Yes, members of the CLT appoint the Directors.

Who are the current CLT directors?

Details are shown on the document here

What is a Housing Association? (also called a Registered Provider)

A Housing Association is a non-profit regulated organisation that provides Affordable Housing in the UK, supplementing the role traditionally provided by Council Housing.  CLTs can choose whether to work ‘in partnership’ with an existing Housing Association or instead become a Housing Association in their own right.

FAQs in regard to the current proposals (Jan 2025)

Can the School cope with extra children?

Yes it can. The CLT Board met the school headmaster and the joint statement that followed can be read HERE

 

The original Housing Needs Survey is only a snap shot, so how can we be sure of the figures?

The HNS findings have been corroborated by the recent figures from Devon Home Choice, the first step for those looking for affordable housing.   More details of these are shown HERE

 

How can we be sure that locals get priority?

This can be built into the Planning Application as part of an S106 agreement.  It’s a trusted method which was used successfully in Upton Pyne recently.  Further details can be read HERE