Southgate District Civic Trust has begun compiling a list of "community assets" within its area of coverage, which includes Palmers Green and Winchmore Hill and is asking for suggestions for additions to its list.
The concept of "Assets of Community Value" was introduced by the Localism Act 2011. According to the Civic Voice website,
A building or land in your council’s area must be listed as an asset of community value if:
- current primary use of the building/land or use of the building/land in the recent past furthers the social well-being or social interests (cultural, recreational, or sporting interests) of the local community
- it is realistic to think that now or in the next five years there could continue to be primary use of the building/land which will further the social well-being or social interests of the local community (whether or not in the same way as before)
Owners of listed assets cannot dispose of them without:
- letting the local authority know that they intend to sell the asset or grant a lease of more than 25 years
- waiting until the end of a six week ‘interim moratorium’ period if the local authority does not receive a request from a community interest group to be treated as a potential bidder
- waiting until the end of a six month ‘full moratorium’ period if the local authority does receive a request from a community interest group to be treated as a potential bidder
One notable building which has been suggested as an addition to the list is the Fox pub in Green Lanes. It is feared that the pub might be sold to housing developers and demolished. It is the only purpose-built pub in Palmers Green town centre, standing at an important junction.
The Civic Trust is an affiliate of the national organisation Civic Trust, which recently called for changes to the Localism Act to strengthen community rights, specifically:
- extension of the moratorium period under the Right to Bid from six to nine months.
- a business rates concession awarded to properties registered as assets of community value.
- a separate planning use class for pubs.
- an appeal system for applicants who are refused asset listing.
- Government guidance for local authorities to ensure that ACV listings are treated as a material consideration when considering planning applications.