What Does ACV Status Mean?
An Asset of Community Value listing gives local people greater influence over the future of land or buildings that are important to them. If the landowner decides to sell, the community has up to six months to prepare a bid. The listing also ensures that the community value of the land is considered in any future planning decisions.
The protection lasts for five years before it may be reviewed.
Why It Matters
Eastward Ho and The Grove are popular for recreation, sports, dog walking, and family activities, and they are valued for their trees and wildlife. The local community have highlighted the importance of protecting these areas.
The ACV designation comes as the North Felixstowe Garden Neighbourhood (NFGN) designs near completion, with the project team planning to submit an outline planning application for the development in the coming months.
Community and Project Team Response
Supporters have welcomed the decision as an important step in safeguarding open space for current and future generations. Councillors emphasised that while the listing does not prevent all development, it strengthens protections and ensures the community’s voice is considered in planning.
A spokesperson for the NFGN project team said:
“We welcome the decision to list Eastward Ho and The Grove as Assets of Community Value. From the outset, our intention has always been to retain these areas as open space. We understand there were concerns regarding the potential development of the ancient woodland and sports pitches, but we want to assure the community that building on these areas has never been part of our plans and we have continued to minimise any development to essential works required for access and security.
These essential building works will be mitigated with a large amount of new natural and semi natural open space across the site, and we are pleased that throughout, our proposals have aimed to enhance the existing green space and improve the sports facilities, subject to planning consent.”
The ACV listing provides reassurance to the community that these important green spaces will remain protected, while allowing future development plans to proceed responsibly, with full consideration of community and environmental needs.
An Asset of Community Value listing gives local people greater influence over the future of land or buildings that are important to them. If the landowner decides to sell, the community has up to six months to prepare a bid. The listing also ensures that the community value of the land is considered in any future planning decisions.
The protection lasts for five years before it may be reviewed.
Why It Matters
Eastward Ho and The Grove are popular for recreation, sports, dog walking, and family activities, and they are valued for their trees and wildlife. The local community have highlighted the importance of protecting these areas.
The ACV designation comes as the North Felixstowe Garden Neighbourhood (NFGN) designs near completion, with the project team planning to submit an outline planning application for the development in the coming months.
Community and Project Team Response
Supporters have welcomed the decision as an important step in safeguarding open space for current and future generations. Councillors emphasised that while the listing does not prevent all development, it strengthens protections and ensures the community’s voice is considered in planning.
A spokesperson for the NFGN project team said:
“We welcome the decision to list Eastward Ho and The Grove as Assets of Community Value. From the outset, our intention has always been to retain these areas as open space. We understand there were concerns regarding the potential development of the ancient woodland and sports pitches, but we want to assure the community that building on these areas has never been part of our plans and we have continued to minimise any development to essential works required for access and security.
These essential building works will be mitigated with a large amount of new natural and semi natural open space across the site, and we are pleased that throughout, our proposals have aimed to enhance the existing green space and improve the sports facilities, subject to planning consent.”
The ACV listing provides reassurance to the community that these important green spaces will remain protected, while allowing future development plans to proceed responsibly, with full consideration of community and environmental needs.