Information

To consider the nomination to enter The Parish Centre, Ulverston onto the list of successful nominations of Assets of Community Value.

Summary

Consideration was given to the entry of The Parish Centre, Ulverston onto the list of successful nominations as an Asset of Community Value.

Section 88 of the Localism Act 2011 sets out that a building or land may be considered as land of community value if the use is non ancillary and furthers either the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community. In the case of the Parish Centre, it appeared that its main non-ancillary use is that of a community centre.

The nomination submitted by Ulverston Food Waste Project LTD (UFP Ltd) stated that the Parish Centre had always been a community building linked to Ulverston Parish Church. Since 1985 the asset has been operating as a Parish Centre with rooms rented by local groups and was owned by the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary with Holy Trinity Ulverston (PCC). The nomination stated that the PCC planned on selling the asset in order to raise capital for essential repairs to the Church.

The nominating party, were currently based at the Parish Centre and provided a 7-days-a-week facility working to address food insecurities and offered help to local residents suffering from food poverty. The nomination stated that the Parish Centre was used weekly by a number of local groups and had been used by a number of community groups.

The nomination stated that communities gained social, volunteering and educational opportunities from their use of the asset, as well as improving mental and physical health. The nomination stated that the closure of the Parish Centre would risk local organisations, clubs and activities becoming homeless due to a lack of alternative premises in the local area. It was stated that the community would suffer if those services currently provided at the centre, were no longer available. The facilities that were offered by the asset contributed towards addressing the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the community by providing access to food, linking beneficiaries up with other support agencies and offering subsidised music lessons. The asset’s facilities and the activities provided contributed towards improving social wellbeing and the interests of the local community.

Decision

RESOLVED – That the Parish Centre, Ulverston be entered on to South Lakeland District Council’s list of successful nominations as an Asset of Community Value.

Reason for Decision

This decision links to the Council Plan priority in delivering balanced communities, it works with communities in reducing isolation and loneliness.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

The alternative option is to decline the nomination. The officers who have assessed the nomination in this case feel that the criteria in the legislation are met and that the listing is justified on the basis of the information received. Section 88 of the Localism Act states that it is a decision for the authority if the land is of community value.