CASE STUDY: How a village trust partnered with developers, overcame challenges and delivered new homes

History

Elbourn Memorial Housing Trust (the Trust) was established in 1950, with a bequest from the late Miss Elbourn who lived in the village of Bassingbourn, South Cambridgeshire.

The Trust manages three single occupancy properties in High Street, Bassingbourn and, in line with the wishes of Miss Elbourn, the scheme provides affordable accommodation for local people in need.

The original ‘scheme of governance’ was established and registered with the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales in 1951. It was amended most recently in October 2023 when the trust became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

The work to become a CIO was initiated because of a desire to build additional almshouses, initiate commercial agreements and limit any potential liabilities for trustees.

The Trust has on average, four trustees. The recruitment and retention of trustees remains the biggest challenge.

Demographic need

More recently, as an existing single occupancy almshouse became available it became apparent that the ‘need’ had shifted from being predominantly older people to couples and young families that could not afford private rentals, to purchase a home or were struggling to access the small stock of council properties.

Historically, the land owned by the Trust has not been fully utilised and sufficient space to build additional homes has always existed. It was agreed that new builds should be houses (as opposed to the three existing single storey dwellings) and a mix of one and two bed homes.

This necessitated a change in our processes and handbook but allowed the Trust to adapt to better suit local need.

The opportunity

The Trust’s income and reserves were not sufficient to initiate a build programme.  Having investigated planning applications within the South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) planning portal, a trustee approached a local developer who had been granted planning permission to develop a parcel of land within the village to discuss off-setting their Section 106 (S106) affordable housing obligation.

Initial discussions took place with the developer where we outlined our idea to utilise the Trust’s land and frame a potential financial agreement whereby the Trust and developer contributed roughly equal amounts to the project. Furthermore, it was proposed that the developer undertake all building works.

This approach would reduce the developer’s S106 commitments and permit a more profitable utilisation of the developers site by avoiding a scenario where affordable homes were built within a prestige development. It would also allow a small trust like us to undertake a building project as the customer and to partner with an established and experienced property development company. More importantly, it would facilitate the build at cost (i.e. zero profit margin to the developer) thereby minimising the Trust’s share of the total project cost.

The process

It was agreed that the developer would work to include the utilisation of the Trust’s land into their S106 agreement with SCDC. An existing trustee and local architect developed initial plans for the houses as a basis for discussion between the Trust and developer. In September 2015, the Trust applied for planning permission with SCDC linking-in with the developer’s S106 agreement. Discussions then took place concerning the Trust’s suitability as an affordable home provider and an evaluation of the Trust’s scheme and processes took place.

At this stage, the Trust also engaged with The Almshouse Association and there were several discussions around project management, budgets, legal aspects, and fund raising. All of which provided the trustees with excellent guidance and examples of how other trusts had approached building projects. It was also recommended that the Trust should become a CIO.

SCDC planning took time to consider the application and with additional information, extensions and changes being made it was determined in 2021 that the Trust would also be required to enter an S106 agreement with SCDC and the developer.

The Trust acknowledged that legal assistance would be a necessity and so a search of how to approach what could be an expensive requirement, started. A trustee, when researching pro-bono legal works came across a charity called Law Works, an organisation that attempts to match worthy causes with law firms that are willing to offer pro-bono services. After initial contact and a call to discuss the requirements the Trust was contacted by a London law company that was willing to act on the Trust’s behalf. In January 2023, the Trust’s S106 was finalised.

Planning permission was finally granted in February 2023

A small team of trustees began to focus on the task in March 2023 and met every two weeks. We initiated formal requests for information on loans and grants from The Almshouse Association, Charity Bank and other financial entities.

We were once again fortunate enough to engage a pro-bono legal team to help us with constructing and agreeing a commercial contract with the developer. To enable the initiation of the pre-build works (detailed drawings, planning pre-conditions etc.) the developer and the Trust signed a ‘letter of engagement’ prior to the full commercial contract. This enabled the Trust to pay the developer to commence the works.

Breaking ground happened in early May 2024 and the houses were completed in early-June 2025. New residents moved in on 14  June 2025 and comprise a much broader demographic including single parent families and younger residents. All have strong connections with the village.

On reflection

• Small trusts can achieve big things. No problem is insurmountable and there are many people and institutions willing to help.
• Adopt a team approach, some trustees will accept a challenge while others would prefer not to.
• If you approach developers prior to a S106 being agreed with the local authorities there may be an opportunity to utilise or off-set any commitments.
• The Almshouse Association was our first port of call for all information relating to the project.
• Be prepared to fill in a lot of forms!
• Explore ‘for free’ services first – legal advice is essential but expensive.
• Our developer was very supportive of the Trust’s objectives and challenges. The arrangement worked well for both parties, financially, commercially, and altruistically.
• Gaining planning permission takes time and patience (this may be different in other counties).
• Plans, risk management and budgets are essential tools.
• There are always unbudgeted costs – reserves are essential.

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Congratulations to all the trustees and staff of Elbourn Memorial Housing Trust on the successful completion of their project and thank you for sharing the experience.

[Photo credits: Elbourn Memorial Housing Trust]

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posted 16 September 2025

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Case Study: An Almshouse Association loan for £50,000 supports the re-roofing of John Higgott’s Almshouses, together with installation of solar panels, loft insulation, new guttering and replacement windows and doors to the rear of the property.

The need for improvement

Recognising the growing challenges faced by residents, including rising energy costs, inadequate insulation and the environmental impact of outdated heating systems, the trustees undertook a thorough review in 2023/24.

The properties’ solid wall construction, poor loft insulation and location within a Conservation Area presented significant barriers to modernisation. Nonetheless, the aim was clear: to sensitively upgrade the homes while respecting their historic character.

Project objectives

The trustees focused on three priority areas:

1. Roof replacement, incorporating an approved sub-tile membrane
2. Upgraded loft insulation, to improve energy efficiency
3. Replacement of wooden windows and doors at the rear with Heritage-grade double-glazed units

In exploring renewable energy options, the trustees approached Marley Limited, which proposed using their Inset Solar Panels. Given the almshouses’ rear aspect enjoys long hours of direct sunlight, the properties were ideal candidates for solar generation. Marley supported discussions with South Derbyshire District Council and its Conservation Officer to create a scheme acceptable for a listed building.

After careful negotiation, permission was granted, with the condition that solar panels be restricted to the 1969 extension roofs at the rear of the properties. Discussions with the Council also led to provisional acceptance of approved UPVC replacements for rear windows and doors, though talks around the front-facing elements are ongoing.

Funding and impact

The comprehensive upgrade project has already cost around £50,000 – a sum far beyond the reach of the small Trust on its own. Thanks to a £50,000 loan from The Almshouse Association, the project was able to go ahead.

Once completed, the scheme is expected to:

• Improve warmth and comfort for residents, particularly in winter
• Lower energy bills through reduced heat loss and solar energy use
• Enable surplus electricity to be sold back to the grid, further supporting affordability

Conclusion

John Higgott’s Almshouses demonstrate how even the most traditional of housing can evolve to meet modern expectations, blending sustainability, heritage sensitivity and resident wellbeing.

With the support of The Almshouse Association and collaborative local partnerships, these 19th-century homes are now stepping confidently into the 21st century.

Our thanks to Tony Ratcliffe, a trustee of John Higgott’s Almshouses for sharing their experience.

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posted 31 July 2025

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