Community Land Trusts

Community land trusts – or CLTs – are democratic, non profit organisations that own and develop land for the benefit of their local community.

They typically provide affordable homes, community gardens, civic buildings, pubs, shops, shared workspace, energy schemes and conservation landscapes.

Run by ordinary people. They are community organisations run by ordinary people who want to make a difference to their local community, putting the control of assets into the hands of local people. They can be set up by the community or a landowner, developer or council.

Protecting community assets forever. They ensure that their homes are permanently and genuinely affordable. CLTs act as long-term stewards of land and the assets on it. They ensure that it is put to the benefit of the local community, not just for now but for every future occupier.

A worldwide movement.  CLTs are a worldwide movement. In both urban and rural areas, CLTs are a key part of the future of land, affordable housing and community facilities. There are a number of established CLTs in the Peak District, including Youlgrave and Bradwell.

Youlgrave Community Land Trust Homes and Residents

Why set up a Community Land Trust?

• Community Land Trusts are a way for local communities to come together to solve challenges facing them
• It is a way to take more control within their local areas – whether housing, local facilities, or community assets such as the local shop or pub. Different CLTs focus on different things
• It means that communities are partners and clients, instead of consultees and consumers
• CLTs are a recognised movement with a formal governance structure, which gives confidence to local authorities, planners, funders, and housing associations to acknowledge and work with them

TDCLT was established in 2025 by a group of concerned Tideswell residents who were concerned that the evident housing need in the area was not being met. Find out more about the aims of TDCLT here. 

You can find out more information about Community Land Trusts in the UK at the Community Land Trust Website at communitylandtrusts.org.uk.

Bradwell Community Land Trust homes