Yesterday, Gillian Postill met with William Wragg MP to discuss the planned, but overdue, Government Review of Assets of Community Value (ACV). William Wragg MP agreed to make inquiries to find out when we can expect the review to take place. The Select Committee Review of ACV, which took place last year, approved the suggestions for amendment put forward by Civic Voice, which included a Community Right of Appeal. Currently, only the owner of the asset can appeal.
The civic society submitted the Hollins Forecourt for listing which was supported by 97 members of the public at a consultation held at Marple Carnival, but we subsequently withdrew the nomination because the corporate director's report was of the opinion that the nomination did not meet the criteria, although no reasons were given in the report. However, we discovered later that it was recommended for refusal because it belonged to Highways. This was perplexing as it is the use of the asset, not its ownership, that determines if it meets the criteria for listing. Of course, not all highways would fulfill the ACV listing criteria but the Hollins forecourt is very much a people/community space valued and used by local people on a daily basis.
Should the Localism Act be amended to include a Community Right of Appeal we will re-submit the nomination and consider appealing against the decision should the nomination be refused.
Two civic society members are now working on getting more ACVs listed. There are about 30 nominations yet to be submitted. If anyone else would like to help us with this work, please get in touch. No prior knowledge is required as training can be given.
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