Charlton's The Valley re-listed as Asset of Community Value
- Published
Charlton Athletic first played at The Valley in 1919
Charlton Athletic fans have had The Valley re-listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
The south-east London stadium was originally recognised as an ACV in November 2013, but the status only lasts for five years.
The successful re-application by the Charlton Athletic Supporters' Trust (CAST) means the group must be notified if the ground is put up for sale.
Should that happen, CAST would have the right to make their own bid.
Charlton first played at The Valley in 1919 and it was their home until 1985 when, following financial struggles, the ground was closed that September.
The Addicks were forced to groundshare at Selhurst Park with Crystal Palace, and then at Upton Park with West Ham, but eventually returned to The Valley in December 1992.
The ability to list buildings or land as an Asset of Community Value was enabled by the Localism Act in 2011, and CAST chair Richard Wiseman said achieving ACV status was "very important".
"It recognises the role of our historic ground and club in the community and offers some limited protection against worst-case scenarios of asset stripping," he added.
"There is scope for strengthening the legislation to offer even more protection for historic football grounds, and we will continue to argue for this."
What is an Asset of Community Value (ACV) and how does a listing work?
A building, or other land, is an asset of community value if its main use is, or has recently been, to "further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community" and it could do so in the future
A request for an ACV must come from a voluntary or community body with a local connection and relate to land in the local authority's area, or in the neighbouring local authority's area
The listing lasts for five years and, should the ACV be put up for sale, also includes a 'right to bid', which can be lodged by the group concerned within a period of six weeks, with finance secured in a period of up to four-and-a-half-months