Burnley Council’s Executive set to Bring Further Vacant Properties Back into Use

The latest recommendations address vacant properties that have become focal points for anti-social behavior and community concern. Among the properties targeted for intervention is 135 Manchester Road in Hapton, which has remained empty since March 2018, causing significant issues for local residents due to its neglected state. Other properties include 49 Grange Street, vacant since March 2020, along with 13 Ash Street and 21 Pine Street, which have been unoccupied since October 2022 and April 2023, respectively. All four properties have been identified as requiring urgent action to prevent further deterioration.

“These properties have been empty for far too long, becoming hotspots for vandalism, fly-tipping, and other anti-social behavior,” said Councillor Jack Launer, Burnley Council’s Executive Member for Housing, Health, and Culture.

“Without intervention, these properties would continue to have a negative impact on residents and the local environment. Our measures will transform them into warm, secure and safe homes.”

Since its inception in 2004, Burnley’s Empty Homes Programme has successfully acquired and refurbished over 200 long-term vacant properties, with proceeds from property sales reinvested into the programme. This sustained effort has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of long-term vacant properties in Burnley, with the current total standing at 678 — nearly half the figure recorded at the programme’s peak in 2009.

In addition to its impact on housing availability, Burnley’s initiative has also embraced sustainability. Recent projects include the installation of solar panels and energy-efficient upgrades, ensuring that renovated homes meet modern environmental standards.

Commenting on the success of the programme, Councillor Launer further added “Bringing derelict properties back into use doesn’t just address anti-social behavior; it provides quality homes for families and contributes to thriving neighborhoods. Burnley’s efforts are making a real difference for residents and the broader community.”

The Council’s Executive is expected to approve the new measures at an upcoming meeting, reaffirming Burnley’s commitment to reducing vacant properties and creating safe, high-quality housing for its residents.