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RESOLVED
DECISION TAKEN:
Cabinet:

a)   
Considered and noted the responses to the public
consultation; and

b)   
Approved the Empty Homes policy set out at Appendix
A of the report.
 
REASON FOR THE DECISION:
Empty
properties are considered a waste of housing resource at both
national and local levels. The government’s National Planning
Policy Framework (2021) confirms that local authorities should
‘identify and bring back into residential use empty homes and
buildings, supported by the use the powers contained within the
Policy”. The council’s proposed Empty Homes Policy
firmly aligns with the council’s Housing Strategy and aims to
unlock the potential of vacant sites and empty homes; thereby
contributing towards meeting local housing supply needs. Empty
homes can have a negative impact on the local community and in some
circumstances may be the subject of multiple concerns such as
anti-social behaviour and dilapidation including structural repair,
nuisance, as well as unauthorised entry. Bringing these properties
back into use can not only deal with the issues outlined above but
can also bring assistance to the owner who may not have known what
to do with the property.