Agenda item

To consider a report seeking approval for the acquisition of several long term empty properties by Compulsory Purchase Act, and also to dispose of those properties in line with existing policies.

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.

REASONS FOR 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 with some being vacant for over 10 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.

5 Prince Street Burnley vacant since 31^st March 2010

5 Herbert Street Burnley vacant since 15^th September 2010

9 Rylands Street Burnley vacant since 17^th November 2010

11 Pritchard Street Burnley vacant since 6^th January 2011

35 Herbert Street Burnley vacant since 7^th October 2015

11 Kay Street Padiham Burnley vacant since 29^th January 2016

4 Woodbine Road Burnley vacant since 5^th May 2019

12 Sharp Street Burnley vacant since 1^st July 2019

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

The Executive resolved:

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 (5 Prince Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (5 Herbert Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (9 Rylands Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (11 Pritchard Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (35 Herbert Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (11 Kay Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (4 Woodbine Road Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021

           The Burnley (12 Sharp StreetBurnley) 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.    To authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services 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 to authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services 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.    To authorise the tendering of any renovation works in accordance with SOC 1, 15 and 16 and delegated power to accept the tender to the Head of Housing and Development Control.

6.    To approve that the proceeds from the sale of the properties is recycled back into the Empty Homes Programme for further acquisitions and renovations.