Agenda item

Purpose

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

To dispose of the properties in accordance with the Council’s Disposal of Empty Dwellings Policy and scheme of delegation.

Reason for Decision

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. 

These properties are long term vacant properties, being empty, in one case, for 17 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.

Through the Vacant Property Initiative and Empty Homes Programme   over 120 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 it be approved 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 (13 Wren Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017

The Burnley (65 Briercliffe Road Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017

The Burnley (9 Every Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017

The Burnley (21 Norman Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017

The Burnley (44 Piccadilly Road Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017

The Burnley (1 Bracewell Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017

The Burnley (142 Mitella Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017

The Burnley (27 Cleaver Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017

The Burnley (3 Heath Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017

The Burnley (43 Cleaver Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017

The Burnley (12 Moseley Road Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2017;

(2)  That the Head of Governance, Law, Property, & Regulation 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 Governance, Law, Property, & Regulation 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)  That subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State to authorise the Head of Governance, Law, Property, & Regulation to secure full title to and possession of the CPO land as appropriate by:

a.    Serving notice of confirmation of the CPO on all interested parties

b.    Serving notice of intention to execute a General Vesting Declaration

c.    Executing the General Vesting Declaration

d.    Serving Notices to Treat and/or Entry as appropriate

e.    Acquiring land and interests by agreement if possible;

(5)  That the tendering be authorised of any renovation works in accordance with SOC 1, 15 and 16 and delegates power to accept the tender to the Head of Housing and Development Control; and

(6)  That it be approved that the proceeds from the sale of the properties be recycled back into the Empty Homes Programme for further acquisitions and renovations