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Who are we?

We are the Lewes Community Land Trust which is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. The Company No is 6484965 and the Registered Address is 61 Old Malling Way, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2EP. It is recognised as a charity by HMRC No XT22244.

Supporters pay an annual subscription and nominate members to the Board of Directors of the Community Land Trust every year at the Annual General Meeting to make sure that the expert Directorship is guided by the interest of the community as a whole.

Our Trustees serve as board directors for a term of 3 years at a time. The current board is:

  • Richard Black (Company Secretary)
  • Anna Boella
  • Dirk Campbell
  • Dr Tom Crossett
  • Johnny Denis
  • Anthony Dicks
  • Samira Harris
  • Debbie King (Treasurer)
  • John Marsh
  • Andrew Simpson
  • John Stockdale (Chair)

Click here for the mugshots!

What is a Community Land Trust?

Community land trusts (also known as “development trusts”) are community owned and led organisations.They use self-help, trading for social purpose, and ownership of buildings and land, to bring about long-term social, economic and environmental benefits in their community.

They operate in both urban and rural areas, often in neighbourhoods which have experienced the worst economic decline. They are independent, but work with the public sector, private businesses, and with other community groups.

They are community ‘anchor’ organisations, delivering services and facilities, finding solutions to local problems, and helping other organisations and initiatives succeed.The Development Trusts Association (DTA) coordinates CLTs.

The DTA aims for a successful development trust in every community. There are now over 440 development trusts in their membership, in both urban and rural areas. While many are still small, others are operating at scale: the combined income is over £260m and development trusts have £490m of assets.

 

Why Lewes needs its own Community Land Trust

Every progressive town needs a CLT. And Lewes is no exception. It is one realistic alternative to profit-led private development. Giving the people an opportunity to buy sites in the town, develop and manage them for the community - development of all kinds that people actually want.

Lewes Community Land Trust has been founded to offer a credible alternative to private development with its consequent need for profit-driven investment, by providing affordable housing and leisure facilities, together with local employment opportunities, while respecting conservation needs and problems associated with flood plain development.

 

Our Objectives

  • The promotion of sustainable development for the benefit of the public by the promotion of sustainable means of achieving economic growth and regeneration.
  • The maintenance, improvement or provision of public amenities.
  • The provision of housing for those who are in conditions of need and the improvement of housing in the public sector or in charitable ownership provided that such power shall not extend to relieving any local authorities or other bodies of a statutory duty to provide or improve housing.
  • The protection or conservation of the environment.
  • The creation of training and employment opportunities by the provision of workspace, buildings and/or land for use on favourable terms.
  • The preservation of buildings or sites of historic or architectural importance.

Note: Sustainable development means "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."