Abandoned house one of 31 now back in use
COUNCIL’S ‘PROACTIVE APPROACH’ TO REFURBISHING HOMES THAT HAVE BEEN LEFT EMPTY
A HOUSE in Newhall that was abandoned for three years is now one of 31 South Derbyshire properties brought back into use.
South Derbyshire District Council is urging residents to report empty homes to help further improve the look and feel of communities, after the authority recently helped ensure the property, in South Drive, was renovated for a family to move in.
Boarded-up houses or untidy sites are more prone to attract pests, rubbish, graffiti and vandalism, which can have a negative effect on the value of neighbouring properties, the council says.
Since April, the authority has written to the owners of 14 properties that have stood empty for a long time. Seven have now been renovated and are occupied and the remaining properties are going through the process of being brought back into use.
Over the past couple of years, the council has investigated and helped to bring 31 properties back into use across the district.
The authority managed to trace the owner of the house in South Drive after receiving complaints from neighbours about its condition. It has since been purchased and renovated by a local builder, ready for a new family to move in and make it their home.
Councillor Jim Hewlett, chairman of housing and community services at the council, said: “The council is taking a positive and proactive approach to empty homes and our aim is to return as many as possible back into use as we can.
“Refurbishing empty properties helps improve the look and feel of neighbourhoods and has a positive impact for those wanting to get onto the property ladder. We would ask communities to be our eyes and report empty homes so we can work with landlords and take appropriate action where necessary.”
An “empty homes toolkit”, where property owners can gain access to support and advice on property valuations, letting agent links and a breakdown of financial support available, can be found on the council’s website.
The authority is now encouraging residents to report these disused properties at www.south-derbys.gov. uk so that they can be brought back to life.