Asset of Community Value success!
But allotment plots remain vacant...
2022 starts positively - Following our group's nomination the assets below have all been successfully accepted and added to Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's Community Right to Bid - List of Assets of Community Value.
Assets listed:
New Pond Farm allotments
The Paddock allotments
Lonesome Lane recreation ground
New Pond Farm countryside commission land
New Pond Farm recreation ground
The criteria for a successful listing as an Asset of Community Value are:
The current use must further the social wellbeing and interests of the local community, and
That use is not an ancillary one
It is realistic to think that there will continue to be a use which furthers social wellbeing and interests, within the next five years and
It does not fall within one of the exemptions e.g. residential properties.
'Social interests' includes cultural, recreational and sporting interests.
A nomination can only be made by a 'local voluntary and community body' which may be incorporated or unincorporated, must not be run for profit, and must have a primary purpose concerned with the local authority's area or neighbourhood in which the asset is listed. Our group satisfied the required criteria.
The evidence collected by the group and the support from the community, Parish Council, and local Councillors helped achieve the success of this nomination. Thank you to all involved. Allotments, recreational areas, formal and informal all further the social wellbeing and interests of the local community. The outcry in response to the proposal to develop the site confirmed how highly valued the site is to this community.
We are delighted that the application has been accepted, and for all nominated assets. It is a clear recognition of the importance of this site and it is something that Reigate and Banstead BC and our Councillors will need to take into account when making decisions about development in the area.
It is important to note however that registration of the site does not safeguard its future, however it does provide the community group with a Moratorium period, and opportunity to bid if the asset were to be sold.
IT REMAINS IMPORTANT THAT WE CONTINUE TO WORK HARD TO MAKE OUR COUNCILLORS AWARE OF THE VALUE OF THIS SITE TO THE COMMUNIUTY, AND ENSURE THEY STAY TRUE TO AND DELIVER THEIR PROMISES TO PROTECT OUR GREEN BELT, AND GREEN SPACES GOING FORWARD.
We remain concerned that the Council has not released the vacant allotment plots despite the planning application refusal. This is especially concerning when members of the community remain on a waiting list, for in excess of 2 years in some cases. We will continue our efforts to press the Council to release the vacant plots at the earliest opportunity.
Click here for further information on Assets of Community Value.