News: Concerns about CCLT dominate Parish Council meeting
In one of the longest Parish Council meetings for some time, the role of the Chilbolton Community Land Trust (CCLT) featured several times.
Cllr Tony Ewer and Martin Gossling, Chair of CCLT, were both concerned that CCLT was being limited or ignored.
Observatory
Cllr David Drew
On the planning application for 75 homes near Drove Road and the Observatory’s objection, TVBC Cllr David Drew said that a resident had raised concerns with him.
He had also spoken with Emma Jones, Case Officer for the application. She said that the current position was that they were waiting for further particulars from the Observatory.
In terms of their objection, he observed “Just saying ‘it’s secret’ won’t work in planning terms.” He said that he would “go along as an observer” when planning officers meet the Observatory staff.
Looking at a contour map of the local area, he had noticed the planned homes would be at the same level as existing homes.
He had read the Observatory’s objections, and understood that they needed a clear horizon, but hadn’t yet studied them fully.
“I have some understanding of what they do,” he said, “monitoring space debris and radio frequencies.”
Martin Gossling, Chair of CCLT
The agenda pack for the meeting contained the usual summary of correspondence with Parish Councillors. In one email Mr Martin Gossling, as Chair of CCLT, wrote to the Chair of CPC, David Hall. He said he was concerned about the Observatory’s objections, and the effect it would have on how any social housing would be built.
He said “I do not see it as being unreasonable to ask for the Observatory to include us in such ‘secret’ discussions”.
He added that “I have had MOD clearance in the past for nuclear submarine access if they are concerned about national security issues, something I believe you have not. I am also a technologies with a background in RF, currently a Technical Author for the British Standards Institute on wireless Power Transfer, so I am more than technically qualified to fully understand the issues.”
He emphasised his concerns saying “Having secrets floating around a limited number of people within the village is not good.”
Gravel Hill public meeting
Cllr Neil Connor said that he proposed that the Parish Council should hold a public meeting to present plans to build 20 homes at Gravel Hill. He suggested 10am to 12pm on Saturday 27 Jun 2026 at the Village Hall.
The meeting would include:
- An explanation of what the Parish Council were proposing at Gravel Hill, and why
- Allaying any confusion
- The history of the project
- Housing needs assessment
- Input from the pre-application made for the 25-home proposal at Drove Road
- The site evaluation process
- A schematic of the Gravel Hill site
- Concerns and opportunities
- Next steps
- Referendum
- Pre-application stage
Cllr David Hall said that the Parish Council should gauge support within Chilbolton “fairly rapidly.”
Cllr Martin Watson suggested that a more formal assessment could be made in September, after the school holidays, when residents would have had time to consider the proposals.
Cllr Hall said that a ‘referendum’ could range from a TVBC ballot box in the Village Hall, to a box in the Village Shop. He added “we need to allow for the option ‘I don’t want any development’.”
CCLT role in Gravel Hill
Two interventions during the meeting addressed the role of Chilbolton Community Land Trust (CCLT), and how it fits with the Parish Council’s plans.
Cllr Tony Ewer
During discussions on the Gravel Hill development proposal, Cllr Tony Ewer asked why £5,000 was being paid to Botley Community Land Trust.
Cllr David Hall replied “We have not paid any money to Botley, we received an opinion from them that [work they might do] would cost £5,000.”
Cllr Ewer then questioned the reference in a letter to Chilbolton Parochial Parish Council of a “risk” to the Parish Council. Cllr Hall said that there was no Parish Council money at risk, and that the letter was a request to “unlock” up to £25,000 of funding from the Church of England Housing Project.
Cllr Ewer asked “Why are you working with Botley CLT and not CCLT?”
Cllr Hall said that CCLT could only handle affordable housing, but the Parish Council was considering both affordable and market housing as part of a single project. He added that Martin Gossling, Chair of CCLT, had been part of the discussions with Botley CLT.
Continuing, Cllr Ewer said “Why use the word ‘partner’? There’s no partnership with English Rural or Botley.”
Cllr Hall said “There is no ‘partnership’, they are partners with a small ‘p’ - advisors.”
Cllr Ewer concluded the discussion saying “We need housing, if Gravel Hill works, then why not.”
Martin Gossling, Chair of CCLT
At Questions from the Public, Mr Martin Gossling read out a statement. He referred to emails that had been sent over the previous weeks.
He set out the role of CCLT, recalling that it was formed by the Parish Council “to deliver houses for affordable use and sociable use.” It was “independent and not-for-profit.” He said that CCLT was under “no formal obligation to accept any land.”
He recounted the formation of CCLT, its registration with the Financial Conduct Authority as a Community Benefit Society. He said that its more-than 100 members had agreed that its aim should be “to carry on the business of providing and managing housing.”
He said “We have the authority, but we are being held back from talking to Housing Authorities such as English Rural.”
At this point Mr Gossling had been speaking for more than six minutes. The limit for members of the public is three minutes.
Cllr David Hall, who is also a Board Member of CCLT, asked what question he wanted to put.
Mr Gossling said “What are your intentions? Will you set up a [Community Land Trust], or a [Community Interest Company]?” and “Why is CPC stopping us talking to English Rural?”
Cllr Hall said “Affordable housing would be developed and managed by CCLT. We have always said that would be for CCLT to deliver. Negotiations sit with [the Parish Council].”
He added that CCLT could talk to English Rural in their role as a housing authority, including working with them, due diligence of their operations and funding opportunities. “Nobody is stopping you,” he said.
At this point, Mrs Maureen Treadwell, Secretary and Board Member of CCLT, joined the discussion. She said “We should be able to engage with all landowners and developers.”
Cllr Hall said that he had concerns with CCLT talking with the landowner, the Church Commissioners, for whom English Rural are agents. He said that land owner engagement would have to be approved by CCLT’s members. He noted that there hadn’t been a CCLT Annual General Meeting for over a year.
A conversation ensued during which Councillors, Mr Gossling and Mrs Treadwell discussed putting proposals to CCLT members. Mr Gossling suggested a date of 23 Jul 2026. Mrs Treadwell noted that exploratory work would have to be done before putting proposals to a vote of members.
Cllr Martin Watson said that his fear was that CCLT could lose the support of the Village. “There needs to be better engagement,” he said.
The discussion was closed by Cllr Hall. The Parish Council meeting had by then lasted more that three and a half hours. “We’re all tired,” he said.