We have approved a new policy aimed at protecting much-loved local buildings, green spaces and heritage assets by enabling their transfer to community ownership.
The new Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Policy, approved at Cabinet on 23 June 2025, sets out a clear process for how the council will transfer land or buildings to voluntary and community organisations (VCOs), parish councils or other local groups. The aim is to safeguard important public assets from potential redevelopment and ensure they continue to serve the community for generations to come.
Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said:
“We want to empower local organisations to take on cherished spaces that matter to them. This is about building confident, self-reliant communities and protecting the places that bring people together. Our new policy ensures these assets remain in local hands, even as we prepare for the possibility of wider local government changes.
“This policy supports the council’s wider 2050 vision by unlocking the potential of local people and places. It gives communities the tools to regenerate assets, enhance local services, and support social and environmental goals.”
Unlike many councils who adopt asset transfer policies in response to financial pressures, Lichfield is taking this proactive step from a position of financial stability. The Council is acting to safeguard community ownership ahead of any potential local government reorganisation, which could see the district absorbed into a larger authority.
Under the new approach, local organisations can register interest in council-owned assets, demonstrating how they will manage, fund, and use them for the benefit of the wider community. Transfers may involve land, heritage buildings, sports clubs, or open spaces, and each case will be assessed based on public value, sustainability and community support.
Community assets such as Lichfield City Football Club, Redwood Park Community Centre, Burntwood Dragons and Lichfield Garrick Theatre are amongst those up for discussion.
The CAT policy sets out clear principles, eligibility criteria and a step-by-step process to ensure fairness, transparency and legal compliance. Assets transferred under the scheme may be leased or sold at less than market value where strong community benefit can be demonstrated.