This week's meeting of Enfield's Cabinet will be asked to approve proposals for changes to the procedures for processing applications for land or buildings to be registered as Assets of Community Value.
The concepts of "Asset of Community Value" and "Community Right to Bid" were introduced by the Localism Act 2011. While the main principles are set out in the Act, local authorities have been left to devise their own procedures for assessing nominations. External consultants employed by Enfield Council have concluded that the procedures used to date by the Council are fit-for-purpose, but have recommended some (on the face of it, minor) changes. Representations by the Enfield Society, Campaign for Real Ale and Save the Green Dragon campaign have also been considered.
The proposed changes will address the perceived "democratic deficit" by using panels comprising both council officers and councillors. There will be an opportunity for community groups to correct technical shortcomings in the nomination forms they have submitted, landowners will have an opportunity to comment prior to a decision. While landowners will be able to appeal against successful nominations, groups who submit nominations will not have a right to appeal if they are unsuccessful.
Links
- Agenda for Cabinet meeting on 19th October 2016
- Paper recommending new procedures for managing Asset of Community Values nominations