Agenda item

To seek approval to make a number of compulsory purchase orders for the purpose of renovation and/or re-sale.

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.

DECISION

That the Executive:

1.    Authorise the Head of Housing and Development Control in consultation with the relevant Executive Member 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 (2 Haydock Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2022

     The Burnley (23 Laithe Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2022

     The Burnley (41 Grange Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2022

     The Burnley (55 Brennand Street) Compulsory Purchase Order 2022

     The Burnley (44 Bar Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2022

     The Burnley (53 Elmwood Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 

     2022

     The Burnley (29 Albert Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2022

     The Burnley (54 Hart Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2022

     The Burnley (6 Clarence Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order

     2022

     The Burnley (48 Piccadilly Road Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order

     2022

2.    Authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services 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.    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.    Authorise, subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State, 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.    Authorise the tendering of any renovation/building works in accordance with SOC 1, 15 and 16 and delegate power to accept the tenders to the Head of Housing and Development Control.

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

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, being empty, in one case for approximately 15 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.

           2 Haydock Street Burnley vacant since 9^th January 2021

           23 Laithe Street Burnley vacant for approximately 15 years

           41 Grange Street vacant since 1^st September 2007

           55 Brennand Street vacant since 11^th January 2013

           44 Bar Street vacant since 31^st March 2017

           53 Elmwood Street vacant since 15^th November 2017

           29 Albert Street vacant since 7^th May 2019

           54 Hart Street vacant since 28^th October 2019

           6 Clarence Street Burnley vacant since 1^st April 2021

           48 Piccadilly Road Burnley vacant since 6^th June 2021

Through the Vacant Property Initiative and Empty Homes Programme over 150 properties have been acquired, refurbished and re-sold or re let, bringing those properties back into use and providing high quality accommodation.