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 15 April 2026 a nomination was received from Harston Parish Council in respect of Harston Village shop and Post Office, 28 High Street, Harston, Cambridge, CB22 7PX. This is a re-nomination of an asset that was removed from the list on 28 January 2026 in accordance with the legislation following expiry of the listing.

Following consideration of the nomination, Notices of Nomination were sent to ward members - Cllr Ariel Cahn, Cllr Dr Lisa Redrup and Cllr Michael Atkins (for the district Ward of Harston and Comberton), to the Parish Council acknowledging their nomination and to the owners and Mortgage company. The nomination was publicised through the Council’s parish e-bulletin, and the Lead Member for Communities was notified. Due to local government elections taking place during the 8 week decision making period, Cllr Atkins ceased to be an elected member and a Notice of Nomination was sent to newly elected ward member Cllr Laurence Damary-Homan.

Decision

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

Harston Village shop and Post office provides clear and demonstrable social value to the community of Harston and the neighbouring villages.

It acts as a central point for information and notices to help residents stay in touch with what is happening in the community.

The store helps support a range of local activities including fundraising ticket sales and collections for the ‘Parents, Teachers and Friends Association’ for the local school.

The store also hosts a charity collection for Arthur Rank Hospice and poppy sales for Remembrance Day, along with lottery ticket sales.

In addition, the shop is described as the centre of village life and can be a lifeline for residents. It is placed in an accessible location for people to get to who may have mobility issues and enables children to go to the shop without their parents, learning independence. Residents believe that it reduces isolation for the older generation as there is always a familiar face in the store to speak with.

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.