Agenda item

To consider a report on the next phase of the Council`s Empty Homes project.

PURPOSE

1.    To seek approval to make several Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) for long term vacant properties in the private sector.

2.    To dispose of the properties in accordance with the Council’s Disposal of Empty Dwellings Policy and scheme of delegation or to Calico Homes as appropriate.

REASONFOR DECISION

1.    The owners of these properties have been contacted and have either not responded at all or have given no reasonable proposals for renovating the property or bringing it back into housing use. 

2.    These properties are long term vacant properties, being empty, in one case for 19 years. Without intervention by the Council through acquisition by agreement or CPO the properties may remain vacant, continue to deteriorate, attract anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and arson, all of which cause fear in local residents, resulting in a declining neighbourhood.

77 Tarleton Street Burnley vacant since 18^th September 2009

1 Laburnum Close Burnley vacant since 17 March 2017

11 Fifth Avenue Burnley vacant since 12^th April 2018

40 Caernarvon Avenue Burnley vacant since 15^th February 2007

10 Ruskin Avenue Padiham Burnley vacant since 2^nd May 2016

28 Spenser Street Padiham Burnley vacant since 1^st May 2017

14-16 Boundary Street Burnley vacant since 19^th October 2015

9 Fir Street Burnley vacant since 29^th May 2017

23 Harley Street Burnley vacant since 17^th May 2012

17 Pritchard Street Burnley vacant since 26^th April 2018

26 Pritchard Street Burnley vacant since 1^st September 2009

13 Grange Street Burnley vacant since 10^th March 2008

75 Lindsay Street Burnley vacant since 1^st September 2007

15 Brush Street Burnley vacant since 6^th August 2001

6 Waterbarn Street Burnley vacant since 22^nd August 2016

Through the Vacant Property Initiative and Empty Homes Programme over 130 properties have been acquired, refurbished and re-sold or re let, bringing those properties back into use and providing high quality accommodation.

DECISION

1.    That the Head of Housing and Development Control in consultation with the relevant Executive Member approve in pursuance of the powers obtained under Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 (as amended) to make the following compulsory purchase orders for the purpose of renovation and/or re-sale by the most appropriate method:

           The Burnley (77 Tarleton Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (1 Laburnum Close Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (11 Fifth Avenue Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (40 Caernarvon Avenue Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (10 Ruskin Avenue Padiham Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (28 Spencer Street Padiham Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (14-16 Boundary Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (9 Fir Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (23 Harley Street  Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (17 Pritchard Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (26 Pritchard Street  Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (13 Grange Street Burnley)  Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (75 Lindsay Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (15 Brush Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (6 Waterbarn Street  Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

2.    That the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to agree terms for the acquisition of the properties, to acquire the properties in this report by agreement as an alternative to compulsory purchase in accordance with the terms of delegation.

3.    That the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to make minor amendments, modifications or deletions to the CPO schedule of interests and map, should this be necessary, and to finalise the making and submission of the CPO, including promoting the Council’s case at public inquiry, if necessary.

4.    Subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to secure full title to and possession of the CPO land as appropriate by:

·         Serving notice of confirmation of the CPO on all interested parties

·         Serving notice of intention to execute a General Vesting Declaration

·         Executing the General Vesting Declaration

·         Serving Notices to Treat and/or Entry as appropriate

·         Acquiring land and interests by agreement if possible

5.    That the tendering of any renovation works in accordance with SOC 1, 15 and 16 be authorised and delegated power to accept the tender be given to the Head of Housing and Development Control.

6.    That approval be given for  the proceeds from the sale of the properties is recycled back into the Empty Homes Programme for further acquisitions and renovations.