London,
27
May
2021
|
10:00
Europe/London

Camden’s first Community Land Trust moves a step closer

A local Community Land Trust (CLT) has been selected as the preferred group to redevelop 31 Daleham Gardens.

NW3 CLT has been selected following an Expression of Interest process, which sought proposals from local groups to deliver much needed affordable housing at the site.

In September 2020 the Council’s Cabinet agreed to take a community-led approach to redevelop 31 Daleham Garden. The Council will now work with NW3 CLT to agree the future of the site and the terms of disposal to the community group.

Community Land Trusts are non-profit organisations that are set up and run by local people to oversee the development and management of homes. They aim to ensure that homes meet local housing need, that they are affordable to local people and remain affordable for future generations.

It is expected that a CLT redevelopment will deliver around 14 environmentally friendly new homes at Daleham Gardens, of which at least 50% would be genuinely affordable.

Profits will be invested back into the scheme helping to improve the affordability and quality of the homes.

The redevelopment at 31 Daleham Gardens will replace housing damaged by fire in 2017, where one resident tragically died.

“
Cllr Danny Beales, Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities, Culture and an Inclusive Economy
A community-led approach represents an exciting opportunity to empower the local community to lead directly on the redevelopment of 31 Daleham Gardens – putting the future of the site firmly into their hands and supporting them to step into the role of the developer.

Camden prides itself on delivering new homes in collaboration with our residents - this is a fundamental approach to our Community Investment Programme and community led housing offers yet another innovative approach and an exciting new way to support the delivery of more affordable homes for Camden residents, while tackling overcrowding and helping residents to put down roots in their communities.

Camden has identified NW3 CLT as the preferred partner for the redevelopment of 31 Daleham Gardens and will enter into negotiations with them to agree the terms for the sale of the site. We are hopeful that a final agreement can be announced later this year, enabling NW3 CLT to move ahead with their exciting community led proposals for 31 Daleham Gardens.
Cllr Danny Beales, Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities, Culture and an Inclusive Economy
„

Sanya Polescuk, Director of NW3 CLT, said: “We are delighted at this news. Over the last five years we have worked to raise awareness about the increasing unaffordability of housing stock in our area and the growing need to provide such housing in new and innovative ways. NW3 has historically had an integrated yet diverse community – something which increasing property prices threatens.

“Since our foundation, we have campaigned for affordable and key worker housing in NW3 and the surrounds. Our work has involved identifying and appraising unused and underused properties in NW3 with the aim of developing them in a way that maximises the provision of affordable housing. Our main task is to make sure that homes we develop are genuinely affordable, based on what people earn in our area, not just for now but for all future occupiers. We are looking forward to turning this vision into a reality together with Camden Council.”

Demolition work at the Daleham Gardens site will begin during Summer 2021 and the full Demolition Management Plan can be found on the Community Investment Programme website.

Notes to editors:

Community Land Trusts involve residents in addressing housing need, providing a way for local people to achieve their aspirations for an area, Community Land Trusts can empower local communities and help sustain local economies through skills development and job creation.

Key principles of a Community Land Trust include:

  • there must be meaningful community engagement throughout the development process;
  • the community owns, manages or stewards the homes;
  • the benefits of the scheme to the local area are clearly defined and legally protected in perpetuity (through an asset lock).

Community Land Trusts developments are often for local people priced out of the housing market and can add to the range of affordable housing options in an area, broadening the spectrum available to residents beyond the statutory social and intermediate housing offer. There can be health and wellbeing benefits through community-led development, for instance through reduced loneliness.