In considering applications for the Trust’s properties, the Trustees will seek to deal fairly and efficiently with all applicants and to ensure that successful applicants are provided with a high standard of housing. 

The Trust aims to assist those in the locality and in particular those who are key workers in the local community and or who are able to contribute to the success of the local community. 

Who can apply? 

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have a sufficient local connection with Northleach in order to qualify. If there are insufficient applications from within the town then the trustees will consider applications from the surrounding parishes. 

Applicants must have had their principal place of work in the parishes of Northleach, Aldsworth, Bibury, Coln St Denis, Farmington, Hampnett, Sherborne, Turkdean, Windrush or Yanworth for the previous 12 months, or have lived continuously in these parishes for the previous 3 years or have a partner, parents, grandparents, children or siblings who have lived in these parishes for the previous 5 years. 

How will we select applicants? 

Applicants will be required to complete our application form. If they are then to be considered as potential beneficiaries of the Trust and future occupants they will be required to attend an interview with the Trust and will have an opportunity to view the property. 

We will expect to receive good references for applicants and to be satisfied of their ability to discharge the agreed rent. We will require details of income and savings. If we cannot be satisfied that the rent is affordable for the applicant we will not make an offer of a tenancy. 

We may ask to visit applicants in their existing accommodation to assess its and their suitability for a Trust property. 

Where an applicant owns their own property we will not make an offer of a tenancy except in exceptional circumstances where we can be satisfied that that there are legitimate grounds for so doing. We will consider any such cases individually. In such cases, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that their property is being actively marketed. 

What property might you be eligible for? 

The Trust has eleven properties, consisting of 1 ground floor one bedroom unit, 4 two bedroom units with dedicated home offices and one 3 bedroom unit with home office space together with 2 one bedroom units in our converted barn. In addition the Trust has a two/three bedroom house and a cottage with two bedrooms (the second bedroom suitable for a young child only). 

The one bedroom units are suitable for one or two adults. 

We would not normally expect to let a two bedroom unit to a family of more than two adults and one child or two children able to share. 

We would expect the home office space to be utilised for its intended purpose. The home office space is capable of being utilised as a third bedroom and at our discretion we may allow occupation of that space as a third bedroom. 

The 3 bedroom unit may be occupied by a family with two children. 

When will we not be able to make an offer? 

Regrettably, the Trust will not be able to make an offer to any applicant where they, or a member of their household; 

have criminal convictions which are not considered “spent” or which otherwise do not have to be disclosed under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 or where there is evidence of anti-social behaviour, 

are considered unable to maintain the property to the standard at which it is let, 

have failed to conduct a previous tenancy in an acceptable manner either in relation to maintaining to condition of the property or as to the payment of rent or other outgoings for which they would ordinarily be responsible – e.g., rates, and utility bills, 

who are considered unable to afford the property, or who are not otherwise considered to make out an exceptional case in circumstances where they already own a property. 

The Trust has a no smoking policy. 

Pets will be permitted at the discretion of the Trustees on a case by case basis. 

Adopted by the Board of Trustees : October 2025 

Signed by the Chair : C Hancock