Agenda item

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

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 or to Calico Homes as appropriate.

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 over 20 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 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 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 (292 Cog Lane Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018

The Burnley (158 Casterton Avenue Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018

The Burnley (39 Branch Road Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018

The Burnley (11 Willow Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018

The Burnley (13 Willow Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018

The Burnley (27 Cleaver Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018

The Burnley (41 Netherby Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018

The Burnley (67 Albert Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018

The Burnley (17 Elmwood Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018

The Burnley (12 Godiva Street Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018

The Burnley (158 Hollingreave Road Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018

The Burnley (518 Accrington Road Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018

The Burnley (99 Gannow Lane Burnley) Compulsory Purchase Order 2018;

(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)  That 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)  That the tendering of any renovation works be authorised 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 is recycled back into the Empty Homes Programme for further acquisitions and renovations.