Empty homes

Do you know that there are private properties standing empty in St Edmundsbury, whilst there is a shortage of housing in the borough?

Empty properties are a cause of concern for all because:

• they can become an eyesore, spoiling the look of the neighbourhood for local people and visitors to the area;
• empty properties can attract anti-social behaviour, arson and vandalism;
• ultimately they can become dangerous to those in the surrounding area.

• Since 2005 St Edmundsbury Borough Council has had an Empty Homes Strategy which has been committed to reducing the number of empty properties in the borough.
• The Empty Homes Strategy encourages owners of empty properties to bring their property back into use by working in partnership with the owner to tailor a package to suit their individual needs.
• Options available include advice on: selling your property, letting your property (for information on Havebury's private sector leasing scheme 'Key Potential' please call 08456 123 852) or grant/loan assistance (call 01284 757053 or email community@stedsbc.gov.uk).
• As a last resort the council will take enforcement action in order to ensure that a property is brought back into use and does not remain an empty resource. This action would only be taken if all other attempts to bring the property back into use had failed. The government has recently introduced new powers (Empty Dwelling Management Orders) to enable local authorities to lease an empty property. More information about EDMO's can be found in this leaflet

How you can help?

• In order to bring empty privately owned properties back into use we need the help of landlords, owners and residents to identify all empty flats and houses in the borough.

• If you own, live next door to or simply know of any empty property, which is either a house or flat or which has potential to become residential accommodation please contact the Housing Development Team on 01284 757606.