We would like to assure parish residents that we are aware of the listing of the Lads of the Village for sale. In line with the legislative requirements of nominated Community Assets, the freeholder is required to formally notify Dartford Borough Council of their intention to sell. The freeholder has notified DBC and the parish council has until 16th August to respond. Should the council express an interest in the property the freeholder is unable to dispose of the property during the six-month moratorium (although can still market and negotiate on a sale). This window of time aims to provide the council with sufficient time in which to develop a proposal and secure the necessary funds. Once the six-months is up, the seller is free to sell the land to whoever they choose, even if the parish council were to have formulated a bid and made an offer, there is no right of first refusal over the property. However, the only exception to selling the property within the six-month period is if it is to the body that nominated the asset and therefore the council has a potential advantage in this aspect.
Lads of the Village Update
We are aware from previous correspondence that many members of the community wish to see the Lads re-established as the valuable community resource it once was to continue providing opportunities for social interaction, club and group meets, and recreation and leisure activities. However, we are also conscious there may be others that disagree with the idea of the council seeking to protect and restore the pub as a community asset. It would be very helpful at this stage for us to understand the views of parish residents to assess the level of community support for progressing any potential bid as we are due to formally discuss the matter at the next full council meeting, open to the public, on Wednesday 24th July, 7pm at The Claire Tiltman Centre. Please submit any comments you may have regarding this to: clerk@stoneparishcouncil.com
An agenda for the meeting will be published in due course.