Much-loved community buildings which locals have fought to save from being turned into flats in Bristol could be protected, under new plans announced by the Labour Party. The opposition has unveiled plans to give communities the right to buy buildings such as pubs, libraries and football stadiums without competition when they go up for sale, as long as they are listed as assets of community value.
Although the Labour Party is not in power, the ongoing Conservative Party leadership election will give Britain a new Prime Minister by September - and this has prompted speculation there could be a general election soon, with Labour currently leading in the polls. And in Bristol, Labour's proposals could have huge implications for locals who have been fighting back against plans from developers to turn much-loved community buildings into flats.
Buildings such as The Rhubarb Tavern pub in Barton Hill and the Redfield Cinema have been the subject of battles with developers. But because the buildings are listed as assets of community value, the Labour policies would give communities the right to buy them, while under the current laws they only have the right to bid for them.
