What is our vision?

For the community to have a real stake in land and buildings by bringing them under community control and protecting them for future generations. We will use land and buildings for homes that meet the needs of local people, and other projects as needed. 

We will be a CLT initially for Steeple and Middle Aston parishes. The CLT will encourage the setting up of other local CLTs and to co-operate with them whenever there is mutual advantage. 

Our Vision Statement: “To actively promote a sustainable, thriving and forward-looking community in the two parishes through the development, maintenance and protection of community-led housing, green spaces, community buildings and other assets in perpetuity for the current and future residents of our area.”

What have we done so far?

We formed a steering group and held a public meeting on 10th April 2024, attended by 60 people, which gave overwhelming support to launch a local CLT. With expert advice from various organisations, and initial grant support from two local bodies, we have now become a Community Benefit Society registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, enabling us to offer membership to people who agree to be bound by the CLT’s Rules. 

We have also commissioned Community First Oxfordshire to undertake a Housing Needs Survey across our two parishes, and we are now analysing the results. You can read the Survey Report here.

We are already in discussions with local landowners regarding possible housing projects. We want to use the results of the Housing Needs survey as a basis for more detailed proposals about the numbers, types and sizes of homes that are needed, with a range of possible tenures. These proposals will then be presented in outline to the membership in order to receive feedback. 

In due course, our members will elect a Board to replace the founding members and to take forward the next stages of progress on an initial housing project, including the raising of funds through an investment share offer and by applying for Government grants. At each stage, the CLT will be guided by its members about site development, housing strategy, design and layout, and ultimately on housing allocation policy, which will favour people with local connections.

Who are we?

Steeple and Middle Aston Community Land Trust is a non-profit Community Benefit Society set up in July 2024, registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. We are members of the National Community Land Trust Network. We formed the Trust following a well-attended public meeting in April 2024, to enable the community to develop land for affordable, sustainable homes for local people in need of housing and who want to remain living in the local community. We want to be part of creative and innovative solutions to the growing housing crisis where prices of homes far exceed what is affordable for many local people.

Board

The CLT was formed initially with a core group of five directors, acting as the shadow Board. We hope it will grow democratically to a Board of up to eleven members from the local community and other people with a range of knowledge and expertise. 

The founding Board directors are (click on a photo for more information):