What community led housing is and the schemes in Bristol.

What community led housing is

Community led housing is where people in the community find solutions to housing needs.

In most cases, community led housing projects are run by local community groups or community land trusts with knowledge of the local area and its housing needs. The community group can also take a role in the ownership and management of the new homes.

You can find more information about community land trusts on the National Community Land Trust Network Go to http://www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk/what-is-a-clt/about-clts (opens new window) website.

Private organisations can also fund, build or manage community based schemes.

We encourage community led housing projects in Bristol. Email strategyandenabling@bristol.gov.uk for advice on how to start a project.

Bristol Community Land Trust

Bristol Community Land Trust Go to http://www.bristolclt.co.uk/services (opens new window) (BCLT) is a community land trust that works on some community led housing projects in Bristol.

BCLT was set up to:

  • make sure people have access to affordable homes 
  • benefit a community by providing and managing homes
  • support other community groups with community led housing projects
  • lead by example by developing environmentally sustainable, affordable housing and shared facilities, such as gardens or a communal room

Community Led Housing West hub

BCLT hosts the Community Led Housing West (CLHW) hub to give help and advice for communites that want to start a housing project.

Community led housing in Bristol

Current schemes

The following community led housing schemes are underway.

Shaldon Road, Lockleaze

BCLT is developing a proposal with Brighter Places for 50 family homes and apartments, to be a mix of shared ownership and affordable rented homes. 

Astry Close, Lawrence Weston

A cleared site in Lawrence Weston, with planning for 36 affordable rent and shared ownership homes. The project is led by local community group Ambition Lawrence Weston with Brighter Places

Glencoyne Square, Southmead

Southmead Development Trust plan to build up to 300 homes as part of the redevelopment of Glencoyne Square. 

Completed schemes

The following community led housing schemes have been completed. 

The Yard, St Werburghs 

39 homes and a number of work units for community space and social enterprises (businesses with social or environmental aims).

325 Fishponds Road

12 homes that are a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership built on land bought from the council by BCLT.