Cheltenham’s local communities have come together to provide the required community interest evidence
The Bell Inn pub
The Bell Inn, located at 70 Bath Road, has officially been designated as an Asset of Community Value by the Cheltenham Borough Council.
This decision comes following a nomination submitted on 6 January 2025, by a dedicated group of local residents who are passionate about preserving the pub and preserving the character and culture of local neighbourhoods.
The nomination was supported by compelling evidence of community interest, including a petition that garnered an impressive 279 signatures. Residents highlighted the Bell Inn as a vital hub for social interaction and recreational activities, illustrating its importance to the well-being of the community.
Daisybank Field
Another example of a recent successful nomination for an Asset of Community Value, is Daisybank Field, submitted to Cheltenham Borough Council on 7 February 2025 by Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council, which was successfully determined on 7 March 2025.
Daisybank Fields is a much-loved green space that sits just below Leckhampton Hill and is an important part of the landscape setting for Cheltenham. In recognition of its value, the site is protected by AONB status and the Cotswold National Landscape Management Plan.
The field is easily accessible from the urban area of Cheltenham and the green space is a popular destination for residents providing easier terrain for children and the elderly than the main part of the hill. It also serves as a cherished spot for sledging during snowy weather.
Councillor Victoria Atherstone, the cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “I am so pleased to see communities in Cheltenham come together to champion their local Assets of Community Value and that their efforts have been rewarded.
“Not so long ago, I helped my father to protect a much-loved village pub in his local community to become as an Asset of Community Value, so I know first-hand how much these residents care and am really happy for them.”
Deborah Jones, Chair of The Bell Inn ACV committee, said: “We’re pleased that our loyal residents regard the Bell Inn as a vital hub for social interaction and recreation, it highlights the essential role these spaces play in the wellbeing of the community. I would like to thank everyone for their support.”
Phil Bennett, Chair of Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council, said: “We must work together to protect areas of Cheltenham that hold value in our communities, as these places bring meaning to our lives, preserve happy memories and promote the use of shared community spaces.
“Daisybank Field has been a popular local venue for as long as living memory allows, especially with ledgers and walkers. The Parish Council is pleased that this has been made an Asset of Community Value and will work with interested parties to try and preserve the field for future generations.”
Community Right to Bid
The Council must maintain a list of assets in its area that is of community value, as nominated by the local community. If any land or buildings on this list then come up for sale, the local community will be given six months to prepare a bid to buy the land.
The Localism Act 2012 introduced a community right to bid which aims to give community and voluntary sector groups, charities, parish and town councils a right to identify an asset that is believed to be of value to their social interests or social wellbeing and gives them a fair chance to make a bid to buy the asset on the open market if the owner decides to sell.
The Right to Bid (also known as Assets of Community Value) places a new duty upon local councils to maintain a list of land in its area that is land of community value, as nominated by the local community. If any land or buildings on this list then come up for sale, the local community will be given six months to prepare a bid to buy the land.
Find the list of current Assets of Community Value here.
ENDS
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