Thriplow digs deep and finds a lot to value

Thriplow Parish Council has been busily applying to get a slew of green space and local heritage designated as Assets of Community Value, under the 2011 Localism Act. The green, the cricket meadow, the smithy, the village hall, and also land to the north and west of Heathfield have all been so designated by the district council.

This means that should the landowner seek to dispose of the land or the asset there are restrictions on what they can do and there is time to enable the local community to challenge and also to make a bid for the asset. Given the number of village pubs under threat in the district this is a sensible move - just gives the community the chance to organise rather than be presented with a fait accompli.