The three-bedroom house, which had been in a severe state of disrepair and hoarded with possessions, became vacant when its former tenant moved into a care home in 2018.
Despite repeated attempts to work with the owners (a limited company) to restore and bring the house back into use, little progress was made, and the council issued a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).
Objections by the owners led to a Planning Inspectorate hearing where several neighbours who have been affected by the damaged property shared their concerns and highlighted the impact this had on them daily.
Following this hearing, a CPO was authorised by the Secretary of State and possession of the house will be taken. The council will ensure the property is sold and that the new buyer undertakes a full renovation and occupies within a reasonable timeframe.
Long term empty homes can have a significant detrimental impact on the local community and often suffer with decay due to the lack of maintenance. Therefore, they become a nuisance to neighbouring properties, attract crime and or anti-social behaviour.
Cllr Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning and Deputy Leader of the council, said:
Empty homes left in disrepair not only waste valuable housing but can also have a negative impact on the surrounding area. Therefore, targeting those that are long-term or causing a nuisance to the local community is a huge priority for us.
With the ongoing housing crisis, thousands are in urgent need of safe, well-maintained homes. By enforcing Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) and utilising these empty properties, we can optimise our housing stock.
Our commitment to revitalising these homes will not only address the needs of those who need a home but also enhance the local environment.
To ensure the house is not left in its current state, a condition will be attached to the sale, requiring the new owner to complete necessary renovation work before the transaction is finalised. This will prevent any further delays in its use.
