A BID to list the council house as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) has been knocked back by Malvern Hills District Council.
Malvern’s Civic Society had its plans turned down after the council stated the building, off Avenue Road, does not further the social interests or social wellbeing of the community.
If the site had been granted ACV status any attempt to sell it would then be
delayed for six months to give the chance for a community buyer to be found.
Society chairman Clive Hooper said: “I am extremely disappointed with the decision.
“The society will now have to decide what further action we should take, but in the meantime I hope there will be strong public opposition to the decision.”
Mayor Julian Roskams added: “This is absolute nonsense.
“While some of us may question quite what MHDC does the suggestion that use of the building does not further the social interest or well-being of the community is quite breathtaking.
“If the council does not exist to further the social interests of the community, and if that activity is not directed or managed from the council house, then exactly what is it doing?”
The decision has been backed by the council’s chief executive Jack Hegarty who said as MHDC owns the building there would be no quick disposal of it.
Ivor Pumfrey, head of community services at Malvern Hills, said: “The council house is and has been used as an administrative office building.
“It simply does not meet the criteria set out in the law for listing it as a community asset.”
The Civic Society added there was currently no appeal against a decision to reject an ACV nomination.
