Latest news with #AssetofCommunityValue
BBC News
12-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bradford woods and waterfalls could become community-owned
A waterfall could become community-owned after a campaign group helped to prevent its sale on the open Stock Wood, which includes a 20ft "hidden valley", near Bingley has now been designated as an Asset of Community Value by Bradford listing means that local supporters have been given a six-month window to raise the funds to buy the site of Goit Stock Wood campaigner Amy Wood said: "It's a really special place, not just for locals but for people who travel from all over to visit. We want to make sure it's safeguarded for future generations." She added: "It's about making sure the woods are maintained rather than just left to ruin. There's a lot of opportunity here. I think it would be really great for us to take it over."The woodland plot for sale is currently part of the privately owned Harden and Bingley Park, which also includes a static caravan holiday BBC understands the owners and their representatives initially had reservations about the listing but would now be "delighted" to sell to the community if a suitable business case was put Black from estate agents Savills, who is handling the sale, said: "They are aware that individuals are working hard to raise the funds and wish them luck." He added the designation "confirms the significance and value of the property to the region and gives time for seeking support, raising funds and hopefully submitting an acceptable offer".The original guide price for the 69-acre site was £350,000 but has since been reduced to £195,000. The sale brochure describes the woodland as a "well-known local landmark" in "largely unspoilt, attractive rolling countryside".The ancient valley, carved out during the last Ice Age, is home to several brochure listing says the spot was once a "thriving" site with six mills along the beck, and one former mill was even used as a café and ballroom before it burned down in 1927. Mrs Wood said the area remained a "peaceful" haven, rich in opportunities for learning, and home to a variety of plants, bird life, deer, and even rumours of otters. Community ownership would allow locals to manage the site sustainably, tackle invasive species and protect the area's biodiversity, she Village Council submitted the nomination to list the site as an Asset of Community Value on behalf of locals last Council has now confirmed the listing was successful and in its report, it acknowledged previous concerns about the fairness of delaying a potential sale for six months, especially since the land has been on the market since August it said such concerns from the owners and their agents were "not relevant" to the decision to list the Friends of Goit Stock Wood have also applied to become a charity and are now working on a long-term fundraising strategy. They are calling for volunteers with experience in fundraising or conservation to get involved."This is an opportunity to take responsibility for a piece of land that means so much to people," said Mrs Wood. "If we can secure it, we'll be able to preserve it in perpetuity for everyone to enjoy."Although the land benefits from some protections against overdevelopment and has public rights of access, campaigners said private ownership still poses a risk of wanting to get involved in the campaign is asked to email goitstockwood@ Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
07-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Elvaston Castle: Trust 'saddened' at future plans for estate
A charity that helps run a stately home and grounds says it is "saddened" at council plans to off-load the site "so suddenly".Elvaston Castle and Gardens Trust said Derbyshire County Council was looking at a proposal to transfer the 17th Century home and country park to an outside comes five months after council bosses scrapped a £35m masterplan and it was deemed "no longer financially viable".A spokesperson at the county council told the BBC it was "exploring options" for the estate's long-term future, but "no decision had been made". Under the masterplan, Elvaston Castle had been set to receive a new cafe, access road and car park along with restoration work on many of its listed in November 2024, the council's cabinet agreed to reconsider due to costs rising since the proposal was first submitted. The ideal outcome The trust has worked on several business plans and business models over the past ten it does not currently believe it would be in the "best interests" of the estate to submit a bid to purchase it under the Asset of Community Value (ACV) legislation is designed to protect community buildings from inappropriate development and changes of use. The trust has confirmed funding until June it said, it was "not precluded from talking to anyone interested in acquiring the property".A spokesman for the trust said: "Our ideal outcome would be an organisation or individual that is committed to public access, has a desire to share and develop the heritage assets at Elvaston and has the funds available, or has a fundraising strategy, to restore the property fully. "We would be happy to talk to any organisations or individuals who believe they are in a position to do this and require further information or insight." 'Financial pressures' Derbyshire County Council said it was inviting interest from organisations that may be capable of taking on the estate and a formal notice would be published allowing for "public engagement".The council added it has discussed the proposal with the trust which is "supportive"."Elvaston Castle requires significant investment to secure its future, and the council is not best placed to provide this," a spokesperson said. "No decisions have been made, and the council remains committed to protecting this much-loved heritage site for its communities."The estate costs around £400,000 a year to run, and with ongoing financial pressures, we need to explore sustainable solutions. "We remain open-minded and welcome discussions with community groups and other potential partners."
