What is High Bickington CPT Ltd?

A Community Property Trust (CPT) is a new model of community ownership. It is a non-profit making organisation where people in the local community are members of the CPT. Its members come from all walks of life. The CPT holds the freehold and equity in land and property in trust for the community and is charged with making sure the land and property it controls continues to be used to meet housing, employment and community needs, on terms the community can afford. It derives income from the land it controls, usually from rents, which it uses either to repay loans taken out to build homes, workshops and community facilities, or to make provision for new amenities or meet identified needs. It would also look to use its assets to meet the evolving needs of the community by undertaking new initiatives.

Background

In November 2000, a community-based group, Project 2000 was set up to identify the needs of the parish and developed proposals for its regeneration over the next 20 years. High Bickington CPT Ltd has now been formed to assume responsibility for land, buildings and facilities which it is hoped will be developed at Little Bickington Farm. 20 acres (8.25 ha) of this former County Smallholding were the subject of an outline planning application to develop affordable housing, workspace, community facilities and woodland, to be managed by the CPT. In addition, a new primary school (closely integrated with the above development) would be the responsibility of the County Council, and it was proposed that a new playing field, pavilion and changing facilities would be run by the High Bickington Playing Field Association, involving a 'land swap' with the existing playing field. Regrettably the outline planning application was refused, following a Local Public Inquiry, in spite of overwhelming support from local residents and public authorities.

High Bickington CPT Ltd was registered under the Industrial & Provident Societies Act 1965, in July 2004, by the Financial Services Authority, based on model National Housing Federation model rules. Its membership is open to any person or body connected with the parish, through purchase of a £1 share. Devon County Council and High Bickington Parish Council are shareholders. No shareholder can hold more than one share and each share carries one vote. The objects of the CPT include the provision of:

• houses for people in need, on terms appropriate to their means
• workspace to meet training and employment needs
• health facilities and child care
• facilities for recreation
• woodland and other environmental improvements

The CPT's affairs are managed by a Board of Directors.

The current Directors are: David Brown (Chairman), Ken Burford, Jane Gibson, Mike Leatham (Parish Council Nominee), Irene Matthews, Tony Powell (Treasurer) and Gavin Wood.

Rules for the High Bickington CPT Ltd

Click here to download a copy of the Rules for the High Bickington CPT Ltd

The Company Secretary is David Venner, who can be contacted at The Meeting Point, North Road, High Bickington, Umberleigh, Devon, EX37 9BB, Tel: 01769 560161 or by Email david.venner@highbickington.org