Assets of community value
Many communities have local amenities and buildings that are of great importance to them and which contribute to the development of vibrant and active communities.
The Localism Act 2011 through the Community Right to Bid aims to encourage community-focused, locally led action by providing communities with an important tool to come together to save and take over assets which are significant for them. It gives communities the opportunity to identify assets of community value, have them listed and, when they are put up for sale, more time to raise finance and bid for them.
Community groups can nominate buildings or land that are important to their local area for inclusion on our Register of Assets of Community Value.
A building or piece of land can be listed as an Asset of Community Value if:
- its current primary use, or use in the recent past, has furthered the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community; and
- it is realistic to think that the primary use of the building or land will continue to further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community in the future, whether in the same way or a different way
Social wellbeing and social interests include cultural, recreational and sporting activities.
What happens when an asset is listed?
If an asset is listed, the owner must notify us if they intend to dispose (selling it or granting a lease of more than 25 years).
Once we are notified, this will trigger a six week moratorium period:
- If no eligible community interest group expresses an interest in purchasing during this time, the owner may proceed with the disposal
- If an eligible community interest group does express an interest in purchasing, a six-month full moratorium period will apply to allow the group time to prepare a bid. During this period the owner is not able to conclude on a sale or lease (unless an it’s exempt disposal)
After the moratorium period has ended, the owner is not required to sell the asset to the community group. The Community Right to Bid framework does not give community groups first refusal, but it does provide time to develop a proposal, secure funding and prepare a bid on the open market.
Assets of Community Value in Cheshire West and Chester
We maintain a register of Assets of Community Value. Both successful and unsuccessful nominations are recorded, and listed assets remain on the register for up to five years unless removed earlier.
Who can nominate an Asset of Community Value?
Nominations can only be made by eligible community organisations with a local connection. These include:
- parish councils
- neighbourhood forums
- unincorporated bodies with at least 21 members, a local connection and a constitution that prevents the distribution of profits to members
- charities
- companies limited by guarantee that do not distribute profits to members
- community benefit societies
- community interest companies (CICs)
Assets that cannot be nominated
The following types of land and property are excluded from listing as Assets of Community Value:
- residential properties, including associated gardens, outbuildings and land
- land licensed for use as a residential caravan site
- operational land owned by statutory undertakers, as defined in relevant planning legislation
Nominate an Asset of Community Value
If you believe a building, facility or area of land makes an important contribution to your community's social wellbeing or social interests, an eligible organisation can submit a nomination to us for consideration.
Examples of assets that may qualify include community centres, public houses, sports facilities, libraries, cultural venues and other places that bring people together and support community life.
Before applying, you will need to ensure you have the following:
- Land Registry Title document
- Land Registry Boundary Plan
- Location Plan
- Copy of the Minutes of the Meeting approving the nomination
- Governing document (e.g. Standing Orders, Constitution, Articles of Association, Trust Deed or Rules)