See Also
Weblinks:
Empty Homes Agency -
www.emptyhomes.com
No Use Empty Campaign -
www.no-use-empty.org/
Contact Us
Empty Property
E-mail:
housing.conditions
@thanet.gov.uk
Phone:
01843 577408
Empty Property Initiative
Why have an Empty Property
Strategy?
Empty properties have an effect on the community as a whole
resulting in social, economic and environmental costs to local
neighbourhoods. The aims of the strategy are to:
- get previously empty properties and derelict land back into
productive use
- discourage crime and anti-social behaviour, vandalism and
fly-tipping.
- increase the available housing supply
- reduce loss of housing and business space for the
area.
- enhance the whole community, making neighbourhoods safer.
There are currently over 3000 empty properties
across Thanet. These include both residential and
commercial properties.
What options are available?
There are a number of ways that this initiative can help
owners of empty properties.
Advice and Information
can be given on a range of subjects with regard to letting a
property such as:
- tenancy agreements
- health and safety requirements in properties
- how to find a tenant
- details of the local Landlords’s Forum.
- conservation areas, listed status of buildings and planning
applications.
Registered Social Landlords (RSLs),or Housing associations
manage a number of properties in the district. Some RSLs are
able to carry out developmental work to refurbish existing
properties, or build new. The Authority will be able to refer
developers to RSLs, to enable partnership working across the
district.
Enforcement action
Where negotiations with an owner have been exhausted, the
Authority has powers to take enforcement action against an owner to
carry out repair works. As a last resort, a Compulsory Purchase
Order may be issued, particularly if the property has fallen into
serious disrepair.
Owners of empty property can contact the Empty Property Officer
for advice on the options available to bring empty property back
into use, and concerned neighbours can report empty properties.
If you are interested in the
Empty Property Strategy and would like to find out more, please
phone the Empty Property Officer on 01843 577408 or email: housing.conditions@thanet.gov.uk
Empty Property Team Service Standards
The council is committed to providing good quality services that
meet the needs of all. This
booklet sets out services provided by the Empty Property Team,
and what to do if you wish to make a complaint.