CEO of the Community Land Trust Network / Rhwydwaith Ymddiriedolaethau
Tir Cymunedol https://www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk
Tom Chance
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Seeing the community in Bristol, ten years on, reminds me why we do this work. To unpick and rewire that system to make this commonplace. Not just an interesting niche of demonstrators, but a sea change in how we see placemaking and stewardship.
But this concept is currently resisted at every level of the system - in the allocation of resources, industry practices, policy frameworks, partnerships, power dynamics and mental models. It's as true of charitable funding and housing association practice as it is of Homes England and developers.
The idea is very simple: treat residents and the surrounding community like partners - participants with agency - in the commissioning, design, build and stewardship of the place. Most community-led development is a partnership between communities and industry, building on common ground.
Ten years ago, Bristol Community Land Trust completed these 12 affordable homes (rent/shared ownership). More than homes, they supported locals priced out to create a community, with 7 children born there since and a strong sense of stability, connection and mutual aid. Why isn't this the norm? 🧵
