A Dorset Community Land Trust and its development of affordable housing has earned it a prestigious award.

The Lyme Regis group won the people-powered homes category in the National CLT Network awards.

A spokesperson for Lyme Regis CLT said: “The CLT is honoured to be recognised in this way for its achievement in the Garmans Field housing scheme at Timber Hill in Lyme, and is continuing to seek further opportunities.”

“We are very grateful to Wessex CLT Project who nominated us.”

Lyme Regis CLT was one of several nominations for the award that recognises the power of people and those showing what community involvement is all about. Part of its nomination said: “Lyme Regis CLT was formed to do something about the sortage of affordable homes in a seaside town popular with visitors and second home owners.

“A planning application was made – an application that was recommended for refusal on landscape impact grounds.

“People power then came to the fore at the planning committee, with a series of three-minute statements from local people passionately making the case for the project. By a majority of 11 to one, consent was granted.

“The project of 15 homes for rent was completed this year, three times oversubscribed by people with a connection to Lyme.”

The award was accepted on their behalf by Alison Ward of Wessex CLT Project.

Tom Chance, director of National CLT Network, said: “I was delighted that we received 23 nominations for individual CLTs when we put out the call back in October. Every submission made me proud to work for and support you as a director.

“We saw stories of dogged determination and innovation that conjured general fuzzy warm feelings all over the show.

“Our awards ceremony was never going to be your standard housing awards. This wasn’t about glitz or eye-wateringly expensive tickets, pitting one CLT against the other. This was about celebrating the leadership we all show and saluting the wonderful DIY ethos this movement embodies.

“Congratulations to everyone who was up for an award and thank you to all those who attended and celebrated with us.”

The National CLT Network’s Community Housing Fund is now open to help community groups build affordable housing.

Visit www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk