Two projects in South Somerset are the first to be placed on South Somerset District Council’s new Register of Assets of Community Value.
Kingsdon Primary School and Kingsdon Primary School Playing Field have been nominated by Kingsdon Parish Council who are looking to protect the assets which they believe are of value to the community and should be retained for community use.
New legislation under the Localism Act 2011 will now require the owner (Somerset County Council) to notify the community if they are intending to sell the properties, giving time to the community to buy the assets if they can raise the necessary funds.
Kingsdon Parish Council has a range of ideas for future use of the properties including a community café & multi-function community facility. They will be carrying out further consultation with people in the village to gather more ideas.
Councillor John Calvert, Ward Member for Northstone Ward said, “The community of Kingsdon are thinking ahead and looking to protect local assets which they believe are vital to sustain village life. I am very pleased that the council has placed these assets on its register which will ensure the community is given some time to consider how they can be secured for the benefit of the village.”
Elaine Owen from Kingsdon Parish Council added, “We appreciated the guidance and backing of SSDC, as placing these assets on the register gives us peace of mind while we work on the business plan for bringing the school and playing field into community use.”