Working together for the Community of Sherford.
Sherford Community Land Trust (SCLT) is a social enterprise and community–led organisation set up and initially seed-funded as part of Sherford’s Section 106 agreement - a set of obligations on developers to provide community infrastructure.
The Trust is at the centre of Sherford’s community life-supporting events and markets, developing spaces and services, advocating for residents and supporting them to lead.
The Trust operates the Sherford Community Hub, a vital space that houses the local food hub and serves as a gathering place for groups and community activities. It also provides funding through an open grant process, helping residents and local groups bring projects to life for the benefit of the community.
What is a Community Land Trust?
SCLT is a community land trust, as defined under the 2008 Housing and Regeneration Act. This means it is company, registered with Companies House, with social purpose and an asset lock written into its articles of association.
Therefore, SCLT works towards fulfilling is company objects (the above aims), it is a “not for profit” organisations, where any surplus it creates is directed towards supporting these aims and cannot be distributed outside of the organisation. The Trust, like other CLTs, works to develop, own, protect and manage assets – land and buildings - on behalf of the communities of Sherford, such as the Community Hub.
It is designed to be a “forever organisation” protecting community-owned assets into perpetuity for the common good. It therefore has an asset lock, meaning these assets cannot be sold, except on the express, majority wishes of the community.
Over the longer term it will be a self-sustaining community business, generating income from the assets it manages, attracting grant funding and through the CLT Fee, a small annual fee paid by house and property owners in Sherford.
Everyone who lives and works in Sherford is, or can become, a member of the Trust, and support and influence it’s work on behalf of the community.
Our vision is of a thriving, prosperous Sherford; where people shape their future, land and buildings are protected for common good, and everyone benefits from shared opportunity and a strong sense of belonging.
To achieve this, the Trust is working towards six aims:
Our Vision
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Champion Community Well-being
Strengthen social connections and enhance quality of life by supporting local initiatives, activities, and inclusive spaces.
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Promote Sustainable Living
Support environmentally responsible practices, green spaces, and renewable and efficient energy solutions promoting a healthy, wealthy Sherford.
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To Represent the Community
Listen and act in a fair, accountable and inclusive way.
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Steward Land & Assets for Common Good
Protect, manage, and develop community assets to ensure long-term benefits for all residents.
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Foster Economic & Social Growth
Support local enterprises, social initiatives, and economic opportunities that benefit the wider community.
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Ensure Long-term Financial Sustainability
Secure funding and generate income to maintain the Trust and its impact for future generations.