Rochford District Council has confirmed that the Freight House will be added to its official Assets of Community Value Register, following a nomination submitted by the Rochford Residents Steering Group on 10 July 2025.
Under the Localism Act 2011, the Council is required to assess whether nominated sites meet the statutory tests for an Asset of Community Value. This includes examining how the site is currently or recently used, its importance to the social wellbeing and interests of the community, and the potential impact if the use were to cease.
After reviewing the nomination, council officers concluded that the Freight House meets the necessary statutory criteria and should be formally listed.
The nomination also included the Rochford Reservoir and Park. However, as this land is already designated as open space within the Council’s emerging Local Plan, it benefits from existing protection against development and therefore does not require additional listing.
Once an asset is listed, it will remain on the Council’s register for five years, after which it can be re-nominated. If the Council or owner of the listed asset wishes to dispose of it, the Localism Act 2011 introduces a delay or ‘moratorium’ period of 6 months from the date of notification. This process gives eligible community groups time to prepare a bid to purchase the asset. At the end of this period, the owner may proceed with a sale to any buyer.
Councillor Mike Webb, Rochford District Council’s Chair of the Communities, Wellbeing and Housing Committee, said:
“The Freight House has long been a focal point for our community, and its listing as an Asset of Community Value reflects just how much it means to local people. Through this listing, this much-loved community venue is acknowledged for its role as part of Rochford’s heritage and future community use