Vibrant Communities

The Estate is committed to support the economic and social vibrancy of the communities in which it operates rural businesses.

Over generations the Estate has provided or enabled facilities such as water supplies, canals, rail links and places of recreation and worship.  Today the Estate provides many thousands of acres of land for the public to enjoy and many miles of permissive linear paths.  We provide allotments, sports fields and many hundreds of cottages let to local people at reasonable and affordable rents.  Many small rural businesses make use of the Estates traditional farm buildings converted specifically for business use.

In addition to existing housing, the Estate has in the past, provided land for new build affordable housing.

Currently the Estate is developing new models for delivery of affordable housing with reduced public funding yet with increased local governance and responsibility.  Community Land Trusts are one approach being considered.