Open & derelict properties

Through our empty property strategy the Council has a range of options to help owners voluntarily bring empty properties back into use. These options include:

• Empty property grants
• Leasing schemes (eg leasing a property to a housing association)
• Advice on how to let a property
• If an owner is unwilling to co-operate, we have the legal power to take enforcement action including:
• Making an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) whereby we become the managers of the property for a specified time
• Enforcing a sale: we compel the owner to sell the property on the market (used when there is a debt owed to the council eg unpaid Council Tax)
• Making a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO): we become the owners of the property. This requires Secretary of State approval.   We will then either sell the property on the open market or to a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) partner

These enforcement actions are a last resort.   Any enforcement action will include continuous consultation with any interested or affected parties and may be subject to an appeal or public local enquiry.

Useful websites:

Department of Communities and Local Government 
http://www.communities.gov.uk/
Compulsory Purchase Procedure 
http://www.communities.gov.uk/
Compensation to Residential Owners and Occupiers  
http://www.communities.gov.uk/
Empty Homes Agency 
http://www.emptyhomes.com/