Assets of Community Value - Policy consultation

I am writing to ask your views on our draft policy for determining buildings or pieces of land which are ‘assets of community value’ under the newly introduced Community Right to Bid (CRTB) legislation. 

Under the CRTB legislation, local community groups can nominate properties to be listed as ‘assets of community value’. Upon receiving the nomination from an eligible group, Portsmouth City Council will determine the nomination against the policy listed below. 

A property which is successfully accepted by the city council as an ‘asset of community value’ will, if being sold with a potential change of use, be subject to a 6-week interim moratorium period where only an eligible community interest group can buy the asset. 

If a community interest group ‘expresses interest’ in buying the asset during this time, a 6 month full moratorium period is activated, within which only an eligible community interest group can buy the asset. This will give the community the time they need to put a business plan together and gather the necessary finances to bid. 

The owner of the asset does not have to accept an offer from a community interest group, and after the full moratorium period has finished, can sell the asset on the open market to whoever they wish and at whatever price they wish. 

For more information on the Community Right to Bid process, please see the Department for Communities and Local Government non-statutory guidance

 

Portsmouth City Council’s draft policy is written below:- 

Suggested policy for defining social interests / well-being

 
When assessing nominations for inclusion on the Register of Assets of Community Value the City
Council will have regard to the following criteria:-

1. The extent to which the approval of the nominated site would enhance the social interests and social wellbeing of the local community because in its absence the local community would be deprived of land or a building that is essential to the special character of the local area, and provides:

i. a place to meet and socialise, or
ii. a place to shop, or
iii. a recreational, sporting or cultural facility.

2. The definition of the extent of the local community will depend on the nature of the use and each case will be considered on its merits, with particular reference to the character and heritage of the local area, its community cohesion and its sense of belonging.

3. The City Council will have regard to the realistic prospect of the continued or future use of the asset, and in particular the commercial viability of the proposal (including the ability to raise funds) and the sustainability of that use.

The draft policy is also viewable on our Community Right to Bid webpage. 

You can email your comments to us at 

planningpolicy@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. 

Alternatively, you can post your comments to us at: 
Community Right to Bid 
Planning Services 
Portsmouth City Council 
Guildhall Square 
Portsmouth 
PO1 2AU. 

Please make sure you get any comments to us by the 24^th December 2012.