South Gloucestershire launches new empty homes strategy

South Gloucestershire Council is taking action to tackle the issue of empty homes in the district.

The council has just launched a new Empty Homes Strategy which proposes a series of measures to bring empty properties back into use.

Empty homes can blight local neighbourhoods, become the focus of anti-social behaviour and devalue surrounding properties.

In South Gloucestershire, 1.84 per cent of private homes are empty, compared to the national figure of 3.06 per cent.

But there is evidence to suggest that the number of empty homes could increase as current market conditions mean that a property can take longer to sell.

While the council has been working hard to reduce the number of empty homes in the district, a five-year plan has been produced which outlines what actions will be taken to build on this work.

Measures will range from giving advice and information to empty home owners, to taking enforcement action, especially where properties have been empty for a very long period of time.

South Gloucestershire can potentially consider using Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs), whereby councils are able to take over responsibility for managing residential properties that have been empty for over six months.

But there are a number of safeguards in place to ensure that the property rights of owners are respected.

Matthew Riddle, executive member for community care and housing, said: "South Gloucestershire Council has had considerable success in returning empty properties to use over the last 10 years and we need to continue to build on this, to ensure that we make the best use of housing stock to accommodate both existing and future residents."

For more information or to obtain a copy of the Empty Homes Strategy contact Sarah McNamara on 01454 865565 or e-mail emptyhomes@southglos.gov.uk.