Decision details

Purpose of Report: To consider the options available to the council to deal with a long term privately owned empty home which has been the source of nuisance to , and complaints from the local community.

Members are asked to approve the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders under section 17 and Part Xv11 of the Housing Act 1985 and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 for the purchase of the property.

This report contains an annex that will be considered in private as it contains Exempt Information as described in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) in that the information relates to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Approve the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders under section 17 and Part XVII of the Housing Act 1985, and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 for the purchase of the property and associated land identified in confidential Annexes C and D attached to the report, for the purposes of renovation and reoccupation as residential accommodation.

(ii)         Authorise the Head of Asset and Property Services to seek the purchase of the property by agreement in the first instance. 

(iii)        Authorise the Deputy Head of Legal Services to take the following steps in the event that purchase by agreement cannot be achieved:

a)           Take all necessary steps to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of the Compulsory Purchase Orders including the publication and service of all notices and the presentation of the Council’s case at any public enquiries.

b)           Suspend the Compulsory Purchase Order proceedings, or withdraw an Order, on being satisfied that the reported property will be satisfactorily renovated and re-occupied without the need to continue the purchase proceedings.

c)           Dispose of the property in accordance with the proposals set out in the report.

d)           Take all other necessary action to give effect to these recommendations.

(iv)       Authorise the purchase (if necessary), renovation and management of the property through the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

REASON:       The property concerned has been vacant for a considerable number of years and continues to have a detrimental impact on the neighbourhood and individual residents.  All alternative avenues open to the Council to encourage the owner to bring the property back into use voluntarily have proved unsuccessful.  Acquisition followed by renovation and reoccupation through the Housing Revenue Account will help the Council respond to increasing housing need within the city and improve the quality of life for local residents.