Forest CLT are a group of families and individuals working to create affordable housing for residents of E10, E11 and E17.
Forest CLT was founded by local residents in 2018 with the mission of creating truly affordable, community-led housing and sustainable communities in Waltham Forest.
They have a growing membership of over 100 local people, many of whom have children in local schools. Their membership includes social and affordable housing tenants, private renters, owner-occupiers and people living with family or unable to have a place of their own.
They are aiming to develop a comprehensive scheme to fulfil the CLT’s three main objectives:
- Build 100% affordable homes, protected in perpetuity
- Build a shared community hub to promote neighbourliness
- Build sustainably by sourcing energy efficient, sustainable, local resources
Forest CLT held their first AGM in November 2018 where members elected a skilled board made up of local built environment professionals and people involved in local arts and education. They have a growing membership of over 100 local people, many of whom have children in local schools. They are focusing on diversity with a membership including social and affordable housing tenants, private renters, owner-occupiers and people living with family or unable to have a place of their own.
They have a calendar of events that are free to attend including film screenings, co-design sessions and socials.
They are looking to take on the development of a small part of a larger council owned site, which would allow delivery alongside the council’s development partner. Discussions with the Council are ongoing and the CLT has responded to council requests for greater density, revising proposals up to 75 units with a range of affordable tenures and including social infrastructure.
How we’re helping
We helped Forest CLT incorporate as a Community Benefit Society with the FCA, and helped them arrange training for board members. We have allocated funding for capacity studies, co-design sessions and financial modelling. We have also advised on land transfer options and mechanisms.
