A community land trust could be the solution to affordable housing on Portland, it has been claimed.

A community land trust is a social enterprise set up to benefit a specific community by owning important local assets.

Andy Matthews of Portland Community Partnership discussed the possibility of establishing a community land trust at a Portland Town Council meeting on Wednesday.

Mr Matthews said: “A land trust gives new opportunities for the community to have a strong involvement in what is built and how it is built.

“It is the community saying- we want housing for elderly and young people, and it is a way to deliver it without a developer rushing in and deciding things."

The discussion comes after the announcement of a community land trust meeting, which will take place at St George’s Centre, Reforne on Wednesday, September 13.

Land trusts are managed by a locally elected board and work in partnership with a housing association. By owning the land, the trust would control things that are important to the island such as location, number of homes and design.

Mr Matthews added: “A land trust is a different way of thinking that is gaining ground, there are quite a few being set up around Dorset. The government recognises that to keep imposing development isn’t the right solution and it alienates people.”

Councillor Sue Lees said she doesn’t want to see Portland built on anymore and would like to see the island’s young first-time buyers out of rented accommodation and onto the property ladder.

Councillor Lucy Grieve said: “We clearly do need social housing on the island and there are too many new homes being built that appear to be bringing new people on to the island. What we really need more of is social housing for people who were born on the island, who live on the island and particularly those who work on the island. Anything that would advance that is of interest.”

Mr Matthews has encouraged anybody who wishes to know more about community land trusts to attend the meeting and have their say.

He said: “If you have any concerns you need to come to the meeting. This could be the solution to affordable housing on the island."

The meeting is being organised by Portland Community Partnership and will include a presentation held by the Wessex Community Land Trust Project.