Ministers warned of end to rural tradition

Despite pledges to cut red tape, plans in the coalition’s flagship Localism Bill will mean more regulation for landowners, according to the Yorkshire-based president of the Country Land and Business Association.

William Worsley urged Ministers to re-think plans which would allow communities first option in bidding for cherished services such as shops and pubs if they are put up for sale.

“As a result the owner will lose the chance to sell or transfer his property at a time of his or her own choosing, which will make it much harder to plan ahead or take advantage of unexpected opportunities.

“It is very bad news for rural businesses,” he said.

“For generations, landowners in rural areas have provided privately-owned assets for the good of the local community, but this Bill’s proposals threaten this long-standing tradition.

“There is hardly a village in the country that has not benefited from the landowner providing a playing field or village hall.”

A consultation on the plans – which would allow community organisations to buy assets considered to be of value to the local area – closed this week.

Under the proposals, a list of assets would be drawn up and if any of those are sold, the local community would be given first chance to come up with an acceptable bid. If there is no interest from the community, or a viable bid could not be arranged, the property could be sold on the open market.

Ministers hope it will allow communities to take over threatened public services such as libraries as well as shops that can be lifelines, post offices and pubs.