The Parish Council, with the support of the Save the Golf Course group, nominated both the former golf course (land and buildings) as an Asset of Community Value, under the provisions of the 2011 Localism Act. Bedford Borough Council have now confirmed that they support this nomination. A big thanks to everyone who helped put the nomination together.
What counts as an Asset of Community Value?
A building or piece of land is deemed to have community value if:
- the use of the building or land currently, or in the recent past, furthers the social wellbeing or cultural, recreational or sporting interests of the local community
- this use (as described above) of the building or land will continue to further the social wellbeing or interests of the local community
- the use of the building or land must not be deemed ‘ancillary’, ie of secondary purpose. This means that the use of the land or building to further social well-being or interests of the community must be its principal use.
What does this mean?
Under the provisions of this act, voluntary and community organisations can nominate both privately and publicly owned assets to be included on a list of assets of community value. This list is managed by Bedford Borough Council. When a landowner wants to sell such a property, they must tell the council.
If a community group wants to buy the asset, they can trigger a 6 month moratorium period from the date the property is placed on the market to give them a chance to prepare a bid for it. Community groups will need to confirm to the Council their wish to make a bid within 6 weeks of the property owner putting the property on the market. During this period, the owner cannot sell their property on the open market. This gives community groups an increased chance to save much loved shops, pubs or other local facilities by developing a proposal and raising the required capital.
At the end of the 6-month period, the owner is free to sell the asset to whoever they wish and at any price.