Agenda item

The Executive Member for Financial Stability introduced the report, explaining that it was a statutory requirement for the council to maintain the Community Asset Register. He explained how the register provided an additional safeguard for community facilities and drew Members’ attention to paragraphs 2.5 – 2.8 of the report which detailed the nomination process for buildings and land.

Councillor Nicholls said that there were lots of pubs on the register and asked if other buildings such as doctors’ surgeries or care homes could be registered.

The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy said that there were exclusions, as buildings or land which were registered had to facilitate a community’s social interests. He said that therefore doctors’ surgeries and care homes could not be registered.

Mr Sharman referred to paragraph 2.12 of the report and asked how the Holy Trinity Church was registered if places of worship were excluded.

The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy said that Holy Trinity Church was considered in detail, with the church itself exempt from registration but not the school.

Councillor Deering said that he thought the register was a good thing, and asked if there was scope to publicise it. He referred to Town and Parish Councils.

The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy said that this was a good point and that an article could be placed in the weekly Members Information Bulletin.

Councillor Nicholls said that community groups would find the funding to purchase a property placed on the register difficult.

The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy said that this was true in some cases, but by registering a property its sale would be slowed down. 

Councillor Williamson asked if the expiry date of a registration was prescribed by legislation or the council’s policy.   

The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy said that the five-year registration expiry date was set in legislation, but that properties could come off the register early or come off and be put back on again.

Councillor Jacobs asked if the Local Authority could be the owner of a property on the register.

The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy said that properties owned by the Local Authority were treated in the same way, and that there were properties on the register of which the council was the freeholder.

Councillor Deering queried why the Yew Tree Public House, Walkern had a ten-year expiry date. 

The Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy apologised and said that this was a typo which he would correct. He said that he was aware that the council’s webpage also required updating to show the most up to date register.

The Chairman thanked the Executive Member for Financial Stability and the Head of Communications, Strategy and Policy for their report. 

It was moved by Councillor Nicholls and seconded by Councillor Deering, that the recommendation as detailed, be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that the Asset Register be reviewed.