Botley Community Trust (Botley CLT) is a Community Benefits Society, registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (Number 9072) and a member of the Community Land Trust Network Its objectives are to provide community-led housing and a community energy scheme for use by the local community.
The Botley Community Land Trust was established in Spring 2023 by members of the Botley community with the intent to deliver new homes for the residents of Botley Parish.
The catalyst for Botley CLT being formed was a site owned by Hampshire County Council (HCC) called Botley Fields. This had outline planning for 375 homes that would be built on once the Botley Bypass had been completed.
Botley CLT planned for the old Grade II listed farm buildings at Uplands Farm to be a new community cafe (the granary), and co-work space (in the barn). With the ambition to have 50% of the homes as affordable; including some co-owned homes (between Botley CLT & private ownership). With a focus on part of the development nearest Winchester Street to be a mixed dwelling supporting the elderly and younger generations.
Alongside an ambitious target to make every home a power station (via a new community energy generation and storage company – aka the Botley CLT Energy Services Company). Botley CLT wanted to deploy 3 water networks per home (instead of the usual 2) – blue (potable); grey (surface waste water that is recycled on site); black (wastewater plugged into Southern Waters network). This solution improves water usage efficiency and reduces the surface run off water entering the River Hamble (via a new natural ecosystem buffer proposed to run in parallel to the River Hamble – so as to protect this fragile SSSI). Plus, it reduces the amount of overall waste water entering Southern Waters waste water infrastructure, which further protects our local rivers and seas.
Botley CLT was partnering with the brilliant and unique Greencore Homes,(enabling a carbon positive build); as well as being guided by some world class experts such as EP Group. Whilst being supported by Eastleigh Borough Council. Additionally, due to the method of build (modular & panellised) the development would be quick to establish, so we could get more local families housed faster. The other benefit of community land trust led development is the CLT can be in control over who got to live in the affordable homes too.
Alas, the CLT found out in March 2025 that it was not successful in purchasing Botley Fields from Hampshire County Council.
BCLT’s initial offer for all 3 parts of the development being sold by HCC (Phases 1, 2a & 2b) could have been worth £24m to HCC. Botley CLT wish the developer of Botley Fields good will and look forward to seeing how this site evolves.
As of October 2025, Botley CLT is now seeking new development sites and opportunities to create new homes in Botley Parish.
Botley CLT Model Rules
Please see the Botley CLT Model Rules
Directors:
Chris Cooper: Chair of BCLT & Founding Director
A resident of Botley since 2019. Chris is the founder and Chair of BCLT and Chair of Botley Parish Council. A background in IT and founder of KnowNow Information, following a career at IBM. A Chartered Engineer, previous member of the Built Environment Panel. Chris helps write international standards for Smarter Communities via the British Standards Institute. He is also a steering group member of the Future Towns Innovation Hub at the University of Southampton.
In his spare time blows a whistle for Hampshire Rugby Referees, goes sailing and maybe seen cycling around the parish and South Downs.
Dr Tom Rushby: Founding Director
Tom grew up in Hampshire and has lived in Botley for five years. A draughtsman and designer, ten years working in an engineering practice.
Currently working at the University of Southampton on energy and climate change research and innovation. Tom is involved in the BCLT as it aligns very well with his research and professional experience especially his role at Future Towns Innovation Hub.
Tom is a volunteer for the Scouting association as Assistant Cub Leader and you might spot him out in Botley on his bike, walking the dog, or even litter picking with the Cubs.
Alex Templeton: Founding Director
Alex is a director of UK Community Works and a long term Southampton resident. Alex’s specialisms are: Renewable energy, energy efficiency, power quality, enterprise energy strategies, energy policy, farming, sustainable communities, democratic participation.
Alex has had a hand in establishing a number of community land trusts as an advisor so he now has the opportunity to apply that advice directly. Alex was invited by Chris and Tom to be a founding director of the Botley Community Land Trust.
Team
Louise Attwood
Currently the Executive Director of Property and Commercial at Linc Cymru. Louise is providing the CLT with advice on land value, raising finance, Registered Provider engagement and the schedule of works / planning of the overall Botley Fields development.
Graham Lomax
Graham is an ex-Botley resident currently active on a number of projects focused on citizen empowerment. Graham has set up a number of direct marketing and IT business’ and brings his marketing, engagement and communications experience to the CLT team in establishing the CLT’s digital presence and messaging.
Anna Rushby
Anna is a Botley resident and an experienced project manager and product owner. Currently in the digital education sector. Anna is bringing her marketing, teaching and project management expertise to the Botley CLT.
Katy Larrive
Katy is a Botley resident and designed the Botley CLT logo and created the CLT’s website. Katy is a Hampshire local and experienced graphic design artist.
John Dennis
John has been involved in modular construction for over 20 years. A resident of Hampshire and advocate of future methods of construction, sustainability and wellbeing. John has set up a number of modular construction business’ in the past and is still heavily involved in the industry as a lead consultant. John is bringing this industry experience to Botley Community Land Trust as it embraces future methods of construction.
Ian Hunter
Ian is an experienced CEO, Board Director, NED, Advisor, and Mentor, with an understanding of the importance of corporate governance. Ian is providing the CLT with independent advice on the investment and financial modelling.
Gary Wilburn
Gary is MD of ep projects (part of the ep Group). Gary heads up a multi-disciplined environmentally focussed design team, ep deliver integrated sustainable and renewable energy solutions for the residential, mixed use and commercial sectors, combining skills and experience from the past 35 years. Gary is one of our client advisors helping the CLT get the best out of the construction industry
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