Finding land and getting planning permission is a vital first step for community-led green space projects. Our Community Land Advisory Service (CLAS) offers one-to one support in Wales and Scotland.
The Community Land Advisory Service can help you with:
- Tips for finding land to start a community growing project
- Getting permission to use land for community-led nature-based, food growing or other green space projects
- Negotiating with landowners effectively
- Advise on the process of transferring land ownership from a public body to a community organisation
- Expert knowledge on what needs planning permission and how to approach gaining it
Who we support
CLAS supports community groups, public bodies and private landowners including housing associations and health boards.
The service helps all types of landowners and community groups work together, making more land available for community growing and nature based activities. The service is funded in Wales and Scotland thanks to ongoing support from the Welsh and Scottish Governments. We are currently looking to fund other CLAS services across the UK.
Wales / Cymru
Our flagship advice service in Wales has been running since 2013 and has helped hundreds of community projects with land and planning. The team offers one-to-one guidance and resources, and has two dedicated support workers based in the north and south of the country. The service also recognises community projects with the CLAS Cymru Awards.
Scotland
Make the most of Scotland's policy opportunities and find support in the experience and knowledge of our members and partners.
Land and planning resources
Visit our publications and resources page and select 'access to land' on the filter to find some useful guides and templates on planning and land. Please note that advice and guidance is general information and you should always seek your own legal advice. We also recommend seeking advice from the local authority and other experts before starting a project.