Building Affordable Homes in Midhurst

ESTABLISHED IN 2017 AS A NOT FOR PROFIT COMPANY

Affordable housing for the Midhurst area

Midhurst Community Land Trust (MidhurstCLT) was founded in 2017 by committed volunteer residents. Established as a not-for-profit organisation, the principal focus of MidhurstCLT is to make housing in the Midhurst area more affordable for local people and key workers.

MidhurstCLT operates as a social enterprise, dedicated to benefitting the community of Midhurst, Easebourne, Cocking and surrounding villages. The Trust’s main objective is to ensure there is a lasting supply of genuinely affordable homes for local individuals and families to rent as well as providing rental options to support key workers in the area.

In July 2022, MidhurstCLT was officially registered as a charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

The Trust currently owns and manages a total of 10 properties. These include 2 two-bedroom and 6 one-bedroom apartments in Easebourne, and 2 two-bedroom semi-detached houses in central Midhurst.

All MidhurstCLT properties are let at rents set between 70% and 80% of the Open Market Rental value. We collaborate with the South Downs National Park Authority and Chichester District Council and work closely with local developers.

Future plans include acquiring or leasing land, influencing property design, and continue to prioritise applications from local residents and key workers.

Midhurst Community Land Trust – Farriers Court video

What is a CLT?

MidhurstCLT is part of the Community Land Trust Network; learn more at www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk.

A Community Land Trust is a social enterprise set up to benefit a specific community by owning important local assets. This video explains how CLTs work and how they benefit local housing needs.

How a Community Land Trust Works

Our Mission

Environmentally Sustainable and Affordable Housing

MidhurstCLT is committed to developing various types of environmentally sustainable housing. Our aim is to provide genuinely affordable accommodation within the town of Midhurst, as well  Easebourne, Cocking and surrounding villages.

Collaborative Partnerships and Stewardship

We remain open to forming partnerships with housing associations and other agencies. However, we are dedicated to retaining our role as long-term stewards of homes and assets to ensure their ongoing benefit to the local community.

Site Identification and Acquisition

The Trust actively seeks to identify and acquire sites suitable for the development of affordable housing, supporting our mission of increasing access to homes for local people. So if you know of a potential site, do email us.

Securing Finance and Investment

We work to identify sources of loans or grants for the purchase of land and development of property. Our approach includes establishing appropriate investment finance to underpin growth and expansion.

Advice and Support from Local Authorities

MidhurstCLT benefits from advice and support from the South Downs National Park Authority, Chichester District Council and other agencies. This enables us to identify local housing needs and suitable land opportunities for future development.

Professional Guidance through Grants

The Trust pursues grants from various agencies, including the Housing Delivery Team at Chichester District Council. These grants help secure professional advice for both the establishment and ongoing operation of MidhurstCLT.

Become a member

MidhurstCLT is an important part of our community and relies on the support of its Members. By becoming a Member, you can help shape the charity’s priorities, contribute to its future direction and stay informed about local housing initiatives. Your involvement can make a meaningful difference to the future of our community.