A venture to build on? Brent Cabinet set to approve the borough's first Community Land Trust homes project

This is a welcome venture challenging the usual developer led nature of design, planning and management of homes in Brent. A small step but important.  The link of 'affordable rent' to the average income of local residents is key. The project will be carefully watched by all those interested in truly affordable housing based on the needs of local residents rather than maximising market prices.

Brent Council press release on the proposal to be discussed at Brent Cabinet on Monday:

A group of local residents are leading on a venture to develop the first Community Land Trust homes in Brent.

The cabinet is set to approve plans to look at Brentfield Road in Stonebridge as the site for new homes.

Plans were brought forward by the Brent Community Land Trust (BCLT), a group of local residents who came together, supported by Community Led Housing London, in their ambitions to provide affordable housing across the whole of the borough.

If the project secures planning permission, it would transform a small parking lot and eight disused garages into much-needed homes for Brent residents. All of the homes would be priced at an affordable rent in line with the average local income for people already living in the area.

Atara Fridler, Chair of Brent CLT, said:

We’re so pleased to be working with Brent Council and the local community to realise our vision of delivering much-needed homes in Brent.  We can’t wait to see how a community led approach to the design, planning and management of homes at this site can help us deliver more affordable housing for local people controlled by local people.

BCLT is exploring designs that would maximise use of the site, recognising how difficult it for people on low incomes to be able to secure affordable housing in the private rented sector.

Cllr Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters’ Security, said:

This is the first, exciting step in BCLT’s journey towards providing genuinely affordable homes for Brent residents.

I am looking forward to seeing how this project progresses in its engagement with the local community who will be invited to share their ideas throughout the design, planning and construction stages.

Notes:

Brent CLT was established in 2020 and is an independent, not for profit, membership organisation. You can find out more about Brent CLT and register for updates on how to get involved on www.brentclt.org.uk

Community Led Housing London supports people to create their own homes together. They work with community groups, councils, developers, and housing associations to provide advice, mentoring, and project management. They were established by the Mayor of London, and are hosted by CDS Co-operatives, a small specialist housing association. www.communityledhousing.london