Members were reminded that the Localism Act 2011 required local authorities to keep a list of assets (meaning buildings or other land) which were of community value. Once an asset was placed on the list it would  usually remain there for five years. The effect of listing was that generally speaking an owner intending to dispose of the asset must give notice to the local authority. A community interest group then had six weeks in which to ask to be treated as a potential bidder. If it did so, the disposal could not  take place for six months. The theory being that this period known as the “moratorium” would allow the community group to come up with an alternative proposal - although, at the end of the moratorium, it was entirely up to the owner whether a disposal  went  through, to whom and for how much. There were arrangements for the local authority to pay compensation to an owner who lost money in consequence of the asset being listed. 

A nomination had been received  from the residents of Wharf Road, Rollason Way, Chase Road and St James Road (Rollason Chase Neighbourhood Group) on Monday 1 February 2016, attached to the agenda as Appendix A, in relation to land  at Wharf Road Green as indicated on the site plans, attached to the agenda as Appendix B and appended to the minutes for clarity.

Members were requested to consider whether or not to list the land as an Asset of Community Value. 

Cllr Russell MOVED and  Cllr Chilvers SECONDED that  recommendation 2.1 (Option1)  be approved.

Following a discussion, a vote was taken by a show of hands and it was

RESOLVED

That Option 1 be approved:  To list the land (excluding 3m either side of the gas pipe and public sewer as this is operational land and therefore exempt from listing as a community asset) as indicated on Appendix B of the report as an Asset of Community Value.

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION

The report provided guidance to allow Members to make an informed decision as to whether to list the nominated asset as an Asset of Community Value.