Community Assets No 13 - Assets of Community Value

Is it time for those in neighbourhoods to create their own list of community assets?. Yes and no; but we should only be interested in assets which have community value.

Although I cannot claim to be a local authority (see Localism Act 2011, s 106(1) and (3)) I have decided to create my generic list of assets of community value (s.  ). As far as I know no similar list exists - but firstly I need to check or try to interpret the Act so as to know what is wanted on my list.

The Act gives the following pointers:

1. building or other land;
2. the actual current use of;
3. in the recent past the actual current use 
4. not an ancilliary use;
5. furthers the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community;
6. reasonable to expect that in the next five years the actual current use (but not necessarily the same as before) could further...etc;

[Note I intend to expand the "pointers" by updating the post later.]

My list would include:

• village greens and town greens - already registered (listed) and protected uner the Commons Act 2006;
• prospective village or town greens (there is an expectation of a result of a government consultation on this topic) ;
• recreation grounds, parks, and other open spaces;
• footpaths, bridleways, cycleways and other such ways;
• land with protected trees, ancient monuments and the like;
• buildings and other assets of historic or architectural worth;
• village halls, community centres, youth clubs and similar premises;
• libraries;
• public houses;
• post offices and other neighbourhood shops; and,
• almshouses and similar establishments for seniors.

Of course, much depends on the community and the existing quality and extent of the environs for its social wellbeing and social interest. Can that be measured objectively?