Empty Homes given new lease of life
Properties that have stood empty for many years have been brought back into use by Telford & Wrekin Council as part of its commitment to its five-year strategy.
Launched in 2021, the Empty Property Strategy aims to make the best use of existing homes, provide homes to support those who are vulnerable, and support communities by addressing the blight that empty properties cause.
Since the strategy began, the council has taken significant strides to bring 232 properties back into use - a significant milestone towards the council's target of 375 properties across the borough.
Among these 232 properties, 3 had stood vacant for over two decades, 13 for more than ten years, 16 for longer than five years, and 42 for over two years. A number of empty properties have also been purchased by the council for housing needs since the strategy launch.
The empty property strategy also contributes to a reduction in crime and fear of crime in neighbourhoods, increasing affordability and choice of housing for residents, supports local high streets and borough towns by addressing empty residential properties above shops.
Leading this work is the council’s dedicated empty property officer, Sally Culbert. She said: “We have used a range of powers available to us to work with owners of these very long term empties to bring them back into occupation which has also included an order of sale being approved through the courts and enforced sale action.
“There are many reasons why properties remain empty which can include a dispute regarding the inheritance, lack of finance to carry out essential repairs or problems achieving a sale or let due to negative equity.
“Also, the owner may be in residential care or not live local to the property and in some cases owners are simply unwilling to work with the council to bring the property back into use.
“However, we want to invest into Telford and Wrekin, making it a safe and enjoyable place to live. By working with owners and our teams, the revitalisation of these homes sees a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour, squatting and arson while also increasing the visual amenities of the area and local employment opportunities.”
Councillor Richard Overton, Cabinet Member for Homes & Enforcement, commented: "We are dedicated to improving the safety and attractiveness of our neighbourhoods. Vacant properties can attract antisocial behaviour and have a negative impact on local communities.
“Our commitment to bring long-term vacant properties back into use helps tackle challenging community issues, improves housing conditions in the borough, and broadens affordable housing options for residents.
“We are fully committed to working alongside residents and local communities to mitigate the adverse effects of vacant properties and urge residents to report any such properties to us."
To report an empty property, please visit the council website.
