'New strategy' will put hundreds of empty homes into use

Shirehall leaders have adopted a new strategy to bring hundreds of empty homes across Shropshire back into use and help tackle the growing need for affordable housing.

Shropshire Council's cabinet approved the Empty Homes Strategy yesterday following a public consultation last year.

A report to members said "significant interest" was shown during the consultation period and a number of callers to the council were "extremely supportive" of the proposals.

They felt the authority should tackle the "unacceptably high" number of empty homes which stands at 4,362, of which 1,933 have been vacant for more than six months.

There are nearly 9,000 households in the council area on waiting lists for a home.

Mal Price, cabinet member for housing, said he believed the strategy would make an impact.

He pointed to Market Drayton as an empty homes "hotspot" but where work is progressing on the council's first Empty Homes Action Zone which will dovetail with the Market Towns Revitalisation Programme in the area.

A number of empty properties there have already been identified and council teams are working with potential housing association partners to bring them into use.

The report said: "The council's aim is to encourage the owners of empty homes to bring them back into use voluntarily.

"The initial approach will therefore be focused on working with the owners, offering support and advice where appropriate.

"Reducing the number of empty homes brings benefits to the homeowners by reducing the likelihood of break-ins, reducing deterioration, as well as providing rental income or capital.

"In turn this can increase the availability of homes for rent or sale in the county as well as bringing benefits to the wider community as neglected empty homes can become a blight on the village or townscape."

But the report warned: "However, where an owner is unwilling to bring the home back into use, and it is either causing a specific problem within its neighbourhood, or would meet a particular housing need, the council will consider the use of its legal enforcement powers."

The cabinet also agreed a separate homelessness strategy action plan.

It will focus on early intervention that prevents homelessness from occurring, and support vulnerable people to develop the "skills" needed to sustain their tenancies.

By Dave Morris