Local communities can step in and protect local amenities under a new right, variously described as “the community right to bid” and “stop the clock”. It allows communities to take over assets such as empty shops, community halls, etc and run them. This may become more important as Local Council’s finances become more stretched and they are tempted to cut back on services or to sell off assets.
Community groups can nominate a building or land whose use furthers the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community. This is a right to nominate an asset, but there is no obligation on BSARA to either “stop the clock” or to bid for the asset, neither is there any obligation to run the asset. In most instances one would hope that the community would see the benefit of selling the asset and would not wish to intervene.
BSARA has applied to Lichfield District Council to register two sites: -
- Beacon Park
- Bird Street (Woollies’) Car Park
The BSARA Committee believes that the local community should be fully involved in any decision making that may affect the future of these two iconic sites that are so important to Lichfield’s Heritage and tourism future.
In an article posted to Lichfield Live on 29/Mar/2013, City Councillor Ian Jackson called for a
"radical rethink" of Lichfield Friarsgate development, which BSARA supports. BSARA does not support Councillor Ian Jackson's suggestion to develop Bird Street (Woollies') car park.
The attachment below includes additional details.
