Community land trusts
Community land trusts (CLTs) are long term stewarding systems for land and the assets, whereby land is placed into a trust which is then run by members or a selected group. As such they are a democratic system that typically provides affordable homes, community gardens, civic buildings, pubs, shops, shared workspace, energy schemes and conservation landscapes, which are run by local people.
Community land trusts (CLTs) are referenced in the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008, Chapter 79 and defined by the House of Commons Library as "a form of community-led housing. The CLT acquires land through purchase (by the community) or a gift, and oversees the development of affordable housing to buy or rent. The housing remains affordable in perpetuity – the CLT is a not-for-profit group and acts as a long-term steward of the homes built."
A CLT can be set up by the community, the landowner, a developer or the council, and provide a mechanism to effectively partially remove land from the capital market, offering housing ownership at a reduced and affordable rate. Depending on the terms of the trust, such houses if sold, are also sold at a reduced market rate, maintaining the stock as affordable for following residents or generations, 'in perpetuity'.
https://www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk/
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Affordable housing.
- Alternative and off-grid housing communities in the UK.
- Bedzed.
- Co-housing.
- Co living.
- Community energy network.
- Community-led housing.
- Could microhousing tackle London's housing crisis?
- Densification.
- Do it together architecture.
- Edge Debate 71 - Can decentralisation solve the housing crisis?
- Garden cities.
- Gentrification.
- Hex House project.
- Housing associations.
- Housing cooperative.
- New model for Britain's high streets.
- Private rented sector.
- Public space.
- Self-help housing.
- Shared equity / Partnership mortgage.
- Shared ownership.
- Social housing.
- Tenant management organisation.
- The compact sustainable city.
- Urban design.
- What is a mortgage?
[edit] External links
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN04903/SN04903.pdf
https://cltweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/DS_dissertation_05_doc-only.pdf
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/17/section/79
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/17/section/79/notes
Featured articles and news
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.



















