Community Right To Bid Should Focus On Change Of Use Says Lawyer

The Government's Localism Bill which commentators suggest might make any fields, paddocks or buildings regularly used by the public 'community assets' may have the wrong focus argues Angus Walker, planning partner, Bircham Dyson Bell LLP.

"The whole idea behind the proposals is to protect land that is currently being used by the community and allow that community activity to continue. I believe that it's a good idea in general terms, but it's my belief that it should be imposed where there is a 'change of use', rather than a sale of the land. Change of use is more important to any community currently using the land," explains Angus Walker.

"As it stands, the latest proposals give the community the right to take time to put together a bid to buy the land should it be put on the market, slowing down the sale by the landowner and thus encouraging any landowners to revoke any potential community...