Community ‘Right to Bid' plans allowing individuals to challenge the transfer of land under the Localism Bill have been criticised by countryside groups who fear delays in the chain of sale.

Under new proposals, communities will have a ‘right to bid' for property and land designated as ‘community assets' to stop recreational areas being appropriated by private individuals. But critics claim this designation will discourage landowners from making land available for public use and risks slowing down land sales and damp down value.