Pendle Council sells fire-damaged empty home after enforcement action

A fire-damaged long-term empty property in Nelson has been sold following enforcement action by Pendle Borough Council.

The enforced sale of the derelict property on Larch Street has paved the way for the house to be renovated and brought back into use.

It’s part of the Council’s commitment to tackling empty homes and improving housing conditions and neighbourhoods.

The property had been empty since October 2023 and was extensively damaged by fire in May 2025. Its condition led to ongoing complaints from local residents and concerns about its impact on the surrounding area, including its proximity to a nearby primary school.

Following the owner's failure to comply with statutory notices, the Council carried out emergency work to make the property safe and protect neighbouring homes.

This included removing unstable roof debris and a chimney stack, securing the building and fixing a leak which was affecting the property next door.

Despite repeated attempts to contact the owner through letters, notices and visits, no response was received.

In April 2026, the owner was successfully prosecuted for failing to comply with a notice requiring improvements to the property's condition and on Tuesday 29 September it was sold at auction.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “This property had become a significant concern for local residents and an eyesore within the neighbourhood.

“We took action to protect neighbouring properties and ensure the safety of residents, but despite numerous attempts to engage with the owner, no meaningful action was taken to address the issues. The sale marks an important step towards bringing the property back into use and improving the area for local people."

Councillor Mohammad Ammer, Pendle Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Housing, Corporate and Performance, added: "This case demonstrates how we can and will use our enforcement powers to tackle problematic empty properties. Long-term empty homes can have a serious impact on communities, particularly when they fall into disrepair and become a source of nuisance for neighbours.

"The enforced sale process has allowed us to take effective action where other options had been exhausted. It provides an opportunity for the property to be restored while ensuring public money spent on the property can be recovered."