Empty homes represent a wasted resource;
- For every homeless person in England, there are seven empty homes
- In South Derbyshire 4.2 per cent of the housing stock is vacant (compared to the national average of 3.3 per cent)
- It is estimated that there is a shortfall of 500 to 1,750 affordable dwellings to meet the housing need in South Derbyshire for 1998-2002
2011 Empty Homes Strategy Consultation
We are currently consulting on our 2011 Empty Homes Strategy. It is accepted that turnover in the housing market will lead to some properties remaining vacant for a period of time, however it is those properties which remain vacant for a longer term, for example six months or more, that give rise to concern.
This strategy has been developed with the aim of ensuring that every effort is made to return these valuable homes back into use, and that neighbourhoods are not unnecessarily adversely affected by empty properties.
The consultation document can be downloaded from the bottom of this page under 'related documents'. To have your say on this document please email; anita.hughes@south-derbys.gov.uk before 30th January 2012
Bringing empty homes into use has many benefits
Owners benefit from:
- rental income or better sales potential
- help with finding suitable tenants
- security against vandalism
- property management
- long term investment
Neighbouring residents benefit from:
- the removal of eyesore which may be attracting vandals and infestation
Tenants benefit from:
- having a wider choice of properties to rent
- access to good quality, affordable homes
The council benefits from:
- developing an enabling role which may result in greater levels of Government financial support
- improvements to key properties which may form part of a wider regeneration strategy
- use of a wasted resource in rural communities which may reduce the need to develop greenfield sites
What is South Derbyshire District council's Empty Homes Strategy?
We are committed to working with the community and all agencies involved in housing provision to bring empty properties in South Derbyshire back into use.
When an empty home or untidy site is reported, we will categorise it according to a number of factors including the degree to which it is causing problems in the neighbourhood and the length of time it has stood vacant.
We will try to trace the owner and try to bring the home back into use through sale, repair or lease. In the case of an untidy site, we will work with the owner to try to deal with the problem.
If there are problems of nuisance or vermin infestation we can require the owner to deal with those problems before a longer-term solution can be found.
Where an owner cannot be traced (or is unco-operative) we have a range of enforcement powers, which include options such as Compulsory Purchase and Empty Dwelling Management Orders. Where the council has a charge on the property, Enforced Sale will also be considered as an option.
Empty Homes Strategy 2008-2011
How do I report an empty property or untidy site?
If you have a problem with an empty property or untidy site near you, You can call our new hotline 01283 595795 or use the web form below.
What help is available to property owners?
If you are the owner of an empty property and want to do something about the nuisance or loss of income it may be causing, the following options could be available to you:
- sale to a Registered Social Landlord
- demolition and sale of plot
- letting to a private tenant
- appointment of a managing agent
- short term leasing arrangement
The Empty Homes Officer can offer professional help and advice to property owners wishing to bring their empty property back into residential use.
We are currently trying to build a list of potential sellers within the area along with potential purchasers and are trying to "match-make" sellers and buyers. We are currently trying to build a list of potential sellers within the area along with potential purchasers and are trying to "match-make" sellers and buyers.
Contact details
South Derbyshire District Council
Empty Homes Officer
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH
Tel: 01283 595967
Fax: 01283 595855
Online: contact form
email: strategic.housing@south-derbys.gov.uk
Page ref: SDDC 16f LGSL 684
Related documents
The following document is in Portable Document Format (PDF). You can download the PDF software for free from the Adobe website (opens in a new window)
