What an asset of community value is

A building or other land is defined as an asset of community value if its main use has recently been or is presently used to further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community and could do so in the future.  

It can include buildings like pubs, village halls and windmills, and open spaces such as community orchards.

The Localism Act 2011 enables local groups to nominate a building or piece of land that is important for the social wellbeing of the area for inclusion on the council’s 'List of Assets of Community Value', and to bid for it if it comes up for sale.

This is also known as Community Right to Bid.

Definition of an Asset of Community Value

The Localism Act describes an asset of community value as a building or other land in a local authority’s area as land of community value if, in the opinion of the authority:  

  • an actual current use of the building or other land that is not an ancillary use, furthers the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community, and
  • it is realistic to think that there can continue to be non-ancillary use of the building or other land which will further (whether or not in the same way) the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community.

Buildings or other land can also be considered as an asset of community value if:

  • in the recent past they have furthered the social wellbeing or interests of the local community

and

  • the use of the building or land that was not an ancillary use and it is realistic to think that within the next 5 years it would further the social wellbeing or interests of the local community  

We have developed an Assets of Community Value Protocol which outlines the process that will be followed in East Cambridgeshire for qualifying voluntary and community bodies to exercise the 'Community Right to Bid' and the process that the owner must go through if they choose to sell the asset, if listed on the council’s list of Assets of Community Value.  


Land which cannot be registered as being of community value

Examples of land which is not of community value and cannot be listed include:

  • residential properties and land connected to a residential property
  • caravan sites
  • operational land as defined in section 263 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990

To find out more please use the links on this page:

More information and help for groups

My community rights is a website designed to support people and groups who want to ensure there is high quality and affordable housing available in their local area.

Cambridgeshire ACRE works alongside the rural communities of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, helping them take action to make positive changes to their local neighbourhoods.