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Community Right to Bid

Giving communities power to save local facilities

Under the 2011 Localism Act, community groups and parish / town councils can ask for a building or parcel of land to be listed as an Asset of Community Value.

Examples include:

  • Local shops
  • Pubs
  • Libraries
  • Theatres
  • Cinemas
  • Community halls
  • Sports facilities
  • Parks or open green spaces

These can be in private, public or even Crown ownership, but homes, hotels and Church of England land are all exempt.

If a nomination is successful, the building or land is added to the list of community assets for a period of five years.

If the owner decides to sell a property on the list, they must tell the council. If a community group wants to buy it, they can invoke their Community Right to Bid. This pauses the sale for six months to give them time to raise funds and submit a bid.

The community group does not have the right to buy the asset. At the end of the six month period, the owner can sell the asset to whoever they wish and at any price.
 

Making a Nomination

Nominations can be made using the Icon for doc Application Form [208KB]

Before making the nomination, please read the Icon for pdf Guide to Community Right to Bid [632KB]

Once a nomination has been received, the council has eight weeks in which to consider it and reach a decision on whether or not it is valid and a listing should be made.
 

The Owner's Right to Object

When a property is nominated as an asset of community value, the owner will be informed and has the opportunity to comment on the validity of the nomination.

If their property is then registered as an asset, they have the right to an internal review by the council of the decision to list. A request for a listing review must be made in writing within eight weeks of the notice of listing.
 

List of Assets of Community Value

The List of Assets of Community Value and List of Unsuccessful Nominations are provided below. These contain details of all nominations made in the last five years.

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