Affordable homes for rent could be built in the School View Close area of Sherborne. Picture: Google

Drop-in event to discuss affordable homes for rent plan for Sherborne

Paul JonesMarch 10, 20250 Comment0

AFFORDABLE homes for rental in Sherborne could be built – and residents are being urged to have their say.

The Sherborne Community Land Trust (CLT) is set to host a drop-in event next month to gain community views on plans for a development – potentially in the School View Close area.

Properties built by a CLT do not qualify for the Right to Buy scheme of other social homes, so would be permanently available for rent.

Peter Neal, trust spokesperson, said: “The Community Land Trust was formed to help provide housing for local people to rent.

“As the Right to Buy scheme doesn’t apply to properties provided through a CLT our homes would always be available to rent.

“There are currently 200 people on the Dorset Council register looking for accommodation in Sherborne, so we know the need is there.”

He said the group had “some ideas about a small development of homes to rent at the end of School View Close”, but wanted to get the views of residents “before we go further”.

The event will be held from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday, March 18, at St Paul’s Church Hall, in St Paul’s Close.

Representatives from the SCLT, Sherborne Town Council, Magna Housing, and One50studio will be on hand to give information and answer questions.

Formed in late 2021 and registered as a Community Benefit Society in March 2022, the initial aim of the Sherborne Community Land Trust (SCLT) is to provide affordable housing for people who have a local connection with Sherborne or Castleton.

Since it was formed, the group has had discussions with landowners over potential sites ahead of a first development.

They have been supported in their activities by a Community Interest Company, Middlemarch, who specialise in supporting community-based housing.

It has now agreed a memorandum of understanding with the Sherborne Town Council over a possible land option and a potential Housing Association provider, Magna Housing, as a partner in the project.

People attending the drop-in can find out more about the possible scheme, as well as discussing the criteria for consideration as a tenant.