Community right to bid

Community groups can nominate land or buildings that are important to their local community. Find out how the scheme works, view nominations and download the nomination form.

How the scheme works

The Localism Act 2011 gives community groups the right to nominate land or buildings as assets of community value. An asset can be nominated regardless of who owns it.

We add an asset to our list if:

  • a qualifying community group nominates it
  • it meets the legal requirements
  • we approve the nomination

In most cases, the owner cannot sell or transfer a listed asset until a qualifying community group has had an opportunity to bid for it.

Who can nominate an asset

You can nominate an asset if you represent an eligible community or voluntary group. This includes:

  • a parish council
  • a designated neighbourhood forum
  • a charity
  • a community interest company
  • a company limited by guarantee that does not distribute its surplus to its members
  • an industrial and provident society that does not distribute its surplus to its members
  • an unincorporated group with at least 21 individual members that does not distribute its surplus to its members

Public authorities and local authorities cannot nominate an asset. This restriction does not apply to parish councils.

View asset lists and nominations

Assets normally remain on the list for five years. We may remove an asset sooner following a review, an appeal or a sale or transfer allowed by law.

We publish information about registered assets and other nominations:

Nominate an asset of community value

If your group is eligible, complete the nomination form.

Request a nomination form

You can request a nomination form by post:

Kathy Sherratt
Property Assets
Swindon Borough Council
Civic Offices
Euclid Street
Swindon
SN1 2JH

You can request by email: ksherratt@swindon.gov.uk.

Legislation and regulations

You can read the legislation governing assets of community value:

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