Issue - meetings

The Localism Act introduces new rights for local communities. These rights include the ability to nominate assets of community value for inclusion on a list maintained by the Council. If the owner of a listed asset wants to sell it, the Council must be notified to give communities time to develop a bid for the asset. This report outlines the provisions relating to this and proposes a decision making process for the listing of community assets.

Councillor Paul Crossley in proposing the item, reported that an issue raised with him during consultation related to criterion C2 of Appendix 1, with a request which would have the effect of broadening the evidence base for satisfying the criterion.  He explained that he intended to pass on the request to the Divisional Director, Policy and Partnerships, if Cabinet agreed to delegate to him the power to amend the document.

Councillor Simon Allen seconded the proposal.  He felt that the proposals were evidence of one of the most positive aspects of the Localism Act and would be very beneficial to communities in the area.

On a motion from Councillor Paul Crossley, seconded by Councillor Simon Allen, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To DELEGATE authority to the Divisional Director, Policy and Partnerships for decision-making in response to nominations for entry into the List of Assets of Community Value under the Localism Act 2011, drawing on the decision-making guidance as set out in the report (or, in the event of this Divisional Director having a conflict of interest, to a Divisional Director nominated by the Strategic Director- Resources);

(2) To DELEGATE authority to the Divisional Director Policy and Partnerships for decision-making with regard to updating this guidance, in consultation with the Council Leader, in response to experience of implementing the provisions, new regulations and emerging case law;

(3) To AGREE that the internal review process in relation to listing be undertaken by a Divisional Director not involved in the initial decision;

(4) To DELEGATE authority to the Divisional Director Property Services to make arrangements relating to the procedures following listing, including moratorium and compensation provisions, as set out in the report; and

(5) To AGREE that an Annual Review of listing decisions be prepared.