Empty properties

Empty houses are a wasted resource, so it is essential that they are not left neglected and vacant for prolonged periods of time. Environmental Health maintain a register of such properties and continually monitors the owners' proposals for bringing them back into residential use.

Houses which have been vacant for many years and deteriorate to such an extent that they become an "eyesore" may ultimately be acquired by the Council by a Compulsory Purchase Order for refurbishment and onward sale.

Members of the public are encouraged to notify us of any building which they believe has been empty for a long time, so that Environmental Health can take steps to bring about its return to proper residential use.

A database has been also established listing all of the known empty homes that are not used as second homes. Many Council initiatives have been introduced to encourage the return of empty homes into use by targeting their owners. For more information see Empty properties – how we can help.