About assets of community value
The Localism Act 2011 introduced a new concept called "Assets of Community Value" (ACVs). These are buildings or pieces of land that are important to a local community and are protected from being sold off without the community having a chance to bid for them.
How to identify an ACV
An asset of community value is a building or piece of land that:
- Is currently used, or has been used in the recent past, to benefit the local community in some way, such as by providing social, cultural, or recreational activities.
- Could continue to be used in this way in the future.
Who can nominate an ACV
Groups such as parish councils, local voluntary organisations, and community groups can nominate local land or buildings to be included in the list of ACVs maintained by local authorities.
What happens when an ACV is sold
The owner of an ACV must notify the local authority when they intend to sell it. This triggers a moratorium period, which gives the local community time to prepare a bid for the property.
If no bidder comes forward during the moratorium period, the owner can sell the property to whomever they choose. However, if a community group expresses an interest in buying the property, the owner must give them a fair opportunity to bid.
Types of properties that are excluded from ACV status
Certain types of properties are not eligible for ACV status, including:
- Land attached to residential property
- Sites covered by the Caravan Sites Act
- Land used by public utilities
How long an ACV can stay on the list
A property remains on the list of ACVs for five years. After this time, it can be removed from the list if the owner wishes to sell it.
Benefits of ACVs
Assets of community value can provide a number of benefits to local communities, including:
- Protecting important community assets from being lost to development
- Providing opportunities for local communities to take ownership of their own assets
- Promoting social cohesion and community spirit