Tackling Empty Properties in Blackpool

1. Empty Properties – A Wasted Asset

2. Empty Homes Are a Waste Empty homes attract vandalism and in some cases vermin. They are a security risk. They are a fire risk. They start to decay and lose value. They are a waste of a valuable asset when there is a shortage of affordable housing in Blackpool. They can make life miserable for their neighbours. Because of these problems Blackpool Council brought into being the Problem Empty Properties Group. This group has the responsibility for the year on year reduction of empty properties in the Blackpool area. The Council has recently revised and updated the procedures for dealing with empty properties.It is being proactive about the identification of such properties throughout the Borough.

3. How the Empty Property Strategy Works The strategy concentrates on long term empty homes – flats and houses which have been empty for more than 6 months. The Council is aware that it can often take some time to sort out a vacant property, particularly if it is need of renovation or modernisation. It is only those properties which are causing problems where the Council’s officers take action. Properties which have been empty for more than 6 months are visited by Officers and, based upon an external inspection, are grouped according to location and condition. Action is then taken accordingly.

4. How we Classify Empty Properties Classification of Properties The appropriate officer will visit each reported property and determine if it is of HIGH or LOW priority. HIGH PRIORITY includes those premises that are dilapidated, detrimental to the area in which they are situated and attracting anti social behaviour. LOW PRIORITY are those premises that may be an ‘eyesore’ but are not dilapidated or causing similar problems associated with those of high priority.

5. Taking Action on Empty Properties Once the council becomes aware of an empty property it is visited and categorised and then it’s details are placed on the Council’s empty property database. HIGH PRIORITY • Ownership of the property will be established. • Reports will be requested from other services, Police, Fire & Rescue Services, Planning, Legal and Estate Services. • In most cases the Council would hope to resolve such properties through negotiation, however they will also have the option to use any of its alternative methods of enforcement. • Actions will be determined by the level of co-operation from the owner of the property, but in some cases the Council may resolve to use its Compulsory Purchase Powers to resolve difficult cases.

6. Taking Action on Empty Properties LOW PRIORITY The action taken then depends upon the condition and or problems relating to the property. The Council may send the owner a standard letter which points out the dangers of keeping a property un-occupied for a long period of time, and making them aware of the Empty Property Strategy. Actions will be recorded and the property will remain on the data base until such time as the property either becomes high priority or is returned to occupancy.

7. What Happens when the owner will not or cannot bring a property back into use. Sometimes the owners of long term, problem empty properties are either unwilling or unable to solve the problems associated with their properties. Often this is because they have allowed their house to degenerate to the point where they cannot sort out the structural and other problems the property has acquired. Sometimes there are other matters, such as problems with obtaining title to the ownership which are preventing a solution being found. In these cases the Council will work with the owner to try and resolve matters. If it becomes clear that a voluntary solution is not going to be found within a reasonable period of time then the Council will use it’s powers to force a solution.

8. Compulsory Purchase Orders When all else fails the Council will use its CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order) powers to resolve the problems of an empty property. Under the Housing Act 1985 Councils have the power to force a property owner to sell a property to the Council. Compensation at full market value reflects the state of neglect in which the property has been left. The property is then sold onto the open market with strict conditions to ensure that it is fully renovated.

9. Assistance for Property Owners In very rare circumstances using strict criteria the council is able to provide Loan or Grant Assistance on a limited basis. Blackpool is a very desirable place to live and good prices can be achieved for homes even the least popular parts of the Borough. The market will therefore generally solve a problem without the need for grant aid, so long as the owner is willing to find a solution!

10. Contacting the Council Blackpool is a pleasant place to live, and the Council intends to keep it that way. Long term empty properties will be dealt with vigorously. If you have an empty property or are being troubled by one in your neighbourhood then the Council will be pleased to hear from you. We can offer advice and assistance where appropriate and are keen to work jointly with property owners and local people to find solutions. The Empty Property Strategy is managed by the Private Sector Housing Group of the Council’s Environmental Services, Tourism and Regeneration Division. You can contact use by ringing 01253 753204 and ask for Charlie Mardy or by writing to us at Private Sector Housing, Empty Properties Group, 125 Albert Road, Blackpool, FY1 4PW.