Purpose

The
purpose of this decision is to decide whether the land/building
nominated should be included as an asset of community value
(“ACV”) on the Council’s register of
ACVs.
 
On
26/01/2026 a nomination was received from Foxton Parish Council in
respect of Foxton Post Office and Stores, 38
High Street, Foxton, Cambridgeshire CB22 6RQ. This is a
re-nomination of an asset that is listed and due to expire on
05/04/2026.
 
 
Following consideration of the nomination, Notice of Nomination
was sent to Cllr James Hobro, (for the district Ward of Foxton), to
the Parish Council acknowledging their nomination and to the
owners, occupiers and Mortgage company. The nomination was
publicised through the Council’s parish e-bulletin and the
Lead Member for Communities was notified.

Content

Officers have considered the nomination along with the feedback
received following issue of Notices of Nomination and are satisfied
that the non-ancillary and current use of the asset as detailed in
the nomination form and accompanying map does further the social
well-being, or cultural recreational or sporting interests of the
local community. It is also considered realistic to think there can
continue to be non-ancillary use of the asset which will further
the social interests of the local community. Therefore, it can be
accepted onto the Council’s list of Assets of Community
Value, in accordance with Section 88 (1) of the Localism Act
2011.

Reasons for the decision

Foxton
Post Office and Stores provide clear and demonstrable social value
to the community of Foxton and the neighbouring
villages.
It acts
as a central point for information and notices, village survey
collection, fund raising activities and ticket sales for community
events.
The
store helps support a range of local activities including concerts
by the Foxton singers, the Pre-school Christmas box fundraiser, the
Scarecrow festival, open gardens and the Christmas window
fundraiser in aid of the church and schools.
A
coffee machine within the store offers residents a social meeting
place, helping them connect with each other and with staff, who
also support more vulnerable residents. The asset further
contributes to community wellbeing by receiving prescription
deliveries from local GP surgeries in Harston and Melbourn—an
essential service for Foxton’s significant number of older
residents and those unable to drive.
The
Post Office facilities are relied upon by local charities and
residents without access to transport, particularly for pension
collection and banking services.
The
store has offered work experience placements for young people,
helping to develop their skills and confidence. Younger children
are also able to visit the store independently in a safe and
supportive environment, enabling them to learn independence and
manage small purchases responsibly.
Additional support is provided through grocery deliveries to
some older residents, and staff in the Post Office assist
individuals who need help understanding digital messages or
processes.
 
Taken
together, these functions demonstrate that the asset’s
primary role significantly furthers the
social interests and social wellbeing of the local community and
therefore meets the definition of an Asset of Community
Value.

Alternative options considered

The
options are:
(a) To
accept the nomination and place the asset on the register of assets
of community value
(b) To
refuse the nomination and place the asset on the register of
unsuccessful nominations