Community Right to Bid

The Community Right to Bid is one of the community rights introduced by the Localism Act 2011 and came into force on 21st September 2012.

It allows community groups to nominate assets which they consider to be of community value. We will then make a decision whether the nomination is eligible, if felt that the property has community value it will be added to the 'List of Assets of Community Value' (PDF) [224KB] .

If a listed asset later comes up for sale then community groups can place a bid to buy it.

The Community Right to Bid aims to provide community groups with a fair opportunity to bid for community buildings or facilities put up for sale that are important to them so that they can be kept in public use. This can include both public and private assets.

Examples of eligible assets include local shops, former schools, sports centres and parks.

Nominating an asset

Nominations for the list of assets have to come from the community itself.

A voluntary or community group can make a nomination if they are one of the following:

• a designated neighbourhood forum
• a parish council
• an unincorporated body of 21 or more people who appear on the local electoral register
• a Charity
• a company limited by guarantee
• an industrial or provident society
• a community interest company.

Once a nomination has been submitted, we will have up to 8 weeks to decide whether or not to list the asset.

If the matter is listed we must give notice to:

• the owner
• the occupier (if the occupier is not also the owner)
• a parish council if any of the land is in the parish council's area
• the nominating body

If the nomination is not approved, we must write to the nominator and give the reasons why. There is no right of appeal against our decision.

A listed asset is put up for sale

Should the owner of the listed asset wish to sell the same, they must inform us, this will then trigger the moratorium period. The nominating body will have 6 weeks, the interim moratorium period, to confirm in writing that they wish to make a bid. In total the nominating body has a 6 month moratorium period to prepare their proposal and raise money to bid to buy the community asset.

Making a nomination

If you meet the criteria as set out above you will need to complete an application form for each asset you wish to nominate. 

Download, complete and return the  Community Right to Bid application form (Word doc) [36KB]  via email to community.assets@chorley.gov.uk

Alternatively you can print and return the application form by post to:

Community Right to Bid
Chorley Council
Town Hall
Market Street
Chorley
PR7 1DP

List of assets of community value

The Localism Act 2011 requires local authorities to maintain and publish a list of assets of community value. The list will include both successful and unsuccessful nominations; each asset will remain on the list for 5 years.

View list of assets of community value' (PDF) [224KB] .

To find out more information on the Community Right to Bid please visit the My Community Rights website.