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 19 March 2026 a nomination was received from Litlington Parish Council in respect of The Crown Public House, Church Street, Litlington, Nr Royston, SG8 0QB. This is a re-nomination of an asset that was removed from the list on 06 April 2026 in accordance with the legislation following expiry of the listing.

Following consideration of the nomination, Notice of Nomination was sent to Cllr Susan Van de Ven, (at the time, the elected member for the district Ward of Bassingbourn), to the Parish Council acknowledging their nomination and to the owners and occupier. The nomination was publicised through the Council’s parish e-bulletin and the Lead Member for Communities was notified.

Following South Cambridgeshire District Council elections held on 7 May 2026, some elected members and/or their roles have changed.  This decision notice will be sent to all new and relevant elected members.

Decision

Officers have considered the nomination along with the feedback received following issue of Notices of Nomination and are satisfied that the non-ancillary use of the asset as detailed in the nomination form and accompanying map did further the social well-being or cultural recreational or sporting interests of the local Community in the recent past.  It is also considered realistic to think that there is a time in the next five years when there could be non-ancillary use of the asset that would further (whether or not in the same way as before) the social well-being or social interests of the local community. Therefore, it can be accepted onto the Council’s list of Assets if Community Value, in accordance with Section 88 (2) of the Localism Act 2011.

Reasons for the decision

The nomination demonstrates that the asset has historically played a significant and multifaceted role in furthering the social wellbeing and social interests of the local community.

Evidence provided shows that, prior to its closure during the Covid-19 pandemic,

the pub has been described as the longstanding “hub” of the village, with a history of hosting charitable events, supporting community functions, and providing a venue for social interaction. It has facilitated gatherings for residents of all ages and backgrounds, contributing to community cohesion and reducing social isolation, particularly through accessible and informal opportunities to meet.

Further evidence highlights the role of the public house over several decades as a focal point for village life, including hosting entertainment such as live music, quiz nights, bingo and other social events, alongside hosting weekly meetings and clubs.

Some activities that were run supported fundraising for local charities and community groups and have strengthened the village’s identity and sense of community.

The loss of the asset since its closure has been noted as having a negative impact on opportunities for social interaction within the village. Its absence is identified as leaving a gap in the range of facilities available to support community cohesion and wellbeing.

Supporting representations also emphasise the importance of the asset within the context of a small rural community, where maintaining accessible spaces for social interaction is particularly important. Village residents showed overwhelming support for the pub being maintained as an asset of community value.

Although the property has not been in operation since the Covid-19 pandemic, it is currently being marketed as a public house.

This indicates that the lawful use has not been abandoned and that there remains a realistic prospect that the asset could resume its former non-ancillary use, thereby continuing to further the social wellbeing and social interests of the local community.

Taken together, this evidence demonstrates that the non-ancillary use of the asset has historically furthered the social wellbeing and interests of the community and that it is realistic to consider that such use could continue or resume in the future.

It should be noted that in keeping with the Council’s normal practice, once re-listed the asset will re-enter the Protected Period that formerly applied, assuming the owner remains the same.  The Protected Period will continue until the same end date as before (10/03/2027) or until a relevant disposal takes place, whichever is the sooner. 

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.