Community could run village pub through ‘right to bid’ scheme

Local community groups are being given the opportunity to express an interest in taking over The Black Horse pub in Amberley and make a bid for it as part of the Assets of Community Value Scheme – Community Right to Bid.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Apr 2013, 17:30 BST
JPCT 13-06-12 S12250050X protesters outside Black Horse at Amberley, which is threatened with being turned into houses -photo by Steve CobbJPCT 13-06-12 S12250050X protesters outside Black Horse at Amberley, which is threatened with being turned into houses -photo by Steve Cobb
JPCT 13-06-12 S12250050X protesters outside Black Horse at Amberley, which is threatened with being turned into houses -photo by Steve Cobb

The scheme is a requirement of the Localism Act 2011 and puts a duty upon Horsham District Council to receive and evaluate applications for listing assets nominated by a local community on a register of Assets of Community Value.

The leader of Horsham District Council Ray Dawe, said: “The new legislation gives additional rights to communities and individuals, making it easier for people to take over local assets like shops and pubs.”

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The Black Horse Public House in Amberley, although no longer open as a pub, was the first nomination received and approved for listing by the council in January 2013.

JPCT 270313 S13130200x Amberley. Black Horse pub development protest outside HDC, Park North, Horsham -photo by Steve CobbJPCT 270313 S13130200x Amberley. Black Horse pub development protest outside HDC, Park North, Horsham -photo by Steve Cobb
JPCT 270313 S13130200x Amberley. Black Horse pub development protest outside HDC, Park North, Horsham -photo by Steve Cobb

The owner of The Black Horse has now notified the Council of his intention to sell the property and, before the pub is sold, eligible local communities have six weeks to express an interest in taking over The Black Horse pub and six months to prepare a bid to buy it for community use.

Any expressions of interest from groups meeting the definition, which can be found on the Council’s website (www.horsham.gov.uk), should be received by the Council in writing or by emailing [email protected] by Tuesday 14 May 2013.

The ‘Community Right to Bid’ does not restrict who the owner of a listed asset can sell to, or at what price. But it will help give additional time to local communities to be able to try and secure land or buildings for community use.

Further information on the process for Assets of Community Value to be nominated can be found via the A-Z search, under ‘A’ on Horsham District Council’s website (www.horsham.gov.uk)

Related topics:CommunityBIDHorsham District CouncilCouncil