Introduction

Derelict and long term empty properties such as empty homes, disused shops and offices, or dilapidated buildings can be detrimental to our neighbourhoods, may cause blight and portray a rundown, tired area which negates any confidence in regeneration activities or fostering community cohesion. 

This policy relates to empty residential properties.  

Long term empty residential properties (empty homes) represent a wasted resource and cause a number of problems for the owner and the surrounding neighbourhood.

  • the waste of a property that could provide an additional home in an area of high housing need
  • they can attract crime and antisocial behaviour including fly tipping, arson and squatting
  • they can reduce the value of surrounding properties
  • they can cause physical damage to adjacent properties through lack of maintenance
  • they can become an eyesore in the neighbourhood
  • they can pose a threat to safety, particularly young children
  • they can become costly for the owner to maintain
  • they can become costly for the Local Authority to investigate and are a loss of Council Tax revenue

In addition increasing numbers of empty residential properties can contribute to the decline of a particular area, the consequences of which include:

  • urban degradation through derelict properties, increasing the unattractiveness of inner areas and accelerating population loss 
  • undermining the aims of current regeneration strategies
  • loss of Council Tax income
  • loss of services as the population moves away
  • owners unable or unwilling to maintain the stock in declining areas
  • possible damage due to criminal activity (necessitating intervention by other services) taking place in empty homes; theft of fittings, arson, dumping, drug dealing
  • psychological damage to individuals and community created by poor environment 
  • loss of community as permanent house owners with a stake in the area move out and are replaced by transient tenants and empty homes.
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