Ten community spaces have been protected as ‘Assets of Community Value’ (ACV) while Labour has been in charge of Barnet.
The development was revealed at the latest Full Council meeting, held on Tuesday 27th January.
If a location qualifies as an asset of community value, then, if the owner decides to sell the venue, for six months they can only accept an offer from a community group.
Sites that have received ACV status since May 2022 include pubs, such as the Lord Nelson (High Barnet), the Prince of Wales (East Barnet) and Ye Old Monken Holt (Hadley) as well as local landmarks such as Tudor Hall in High Barnet and the Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley.
Barnet Labour’s record shows that it is well-positioned to take advantage of the Government’s upcoming Pride in Place reforms, which will include:
· Making it easier for councils to stop too many gambling and vaping outlets
· Giving councils greater powers of compulsory purchase, so that derelict or empty properties and be revitalised
· A Community Right To Buy enabling local people to protect local institutions.
Labour Councillor for High Barnet, Emma Whysall, said: “I worked with residents on the campaign to make Tudor Hall an Asset of Community Value. Labour has increased the opportunity for residents to have their say at the council, from Question Time events to making it easier to apply for a 20 miles per hour zone for your street. The success of ACV applications is part of that story and I very much hope that The Black Horse pub will be added to that list.”
Labour’s Council leader, Councillor Barry Rawlings said: “Rejuvenating our high streets and neighbourhoods is a priority for our residents. We look forward to working with the new powers ministers will give us to nurture our shared spaces.”
