Burnley Council set to compulsory purchase long-term empty homes

The council’s Executive is recommended to agree the compulsory purchase of 14 properties in the borough which have been long-term empty, in one case for almost 12 years.

If agreed, the houses will be acquired for re-sale and, once renovated, reoccupied with the proceeds being re-invested back into buying and refurbishing further properties.

More than 130 empty properties have been brought into use through the programme.

Deputy leader Coun. Margaret Lishman said: “Improving our neighbourhoods by bringing properties that have been empty for many years back into use is a challenge we’re tackling. This latest group of properties includes one that has been empty for more than 20 years.

"Long-term empty properties can cause a blight on our communities and attract crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Efforts are being made to contact the property owners and to reach an agreement on acquiring the houses. Using compulsory purchase powers is a last resort after everything else has been tried. If the council didn’t step in these properties would fall further into disrepair.

The properties covered by the report are in Cog Lane, Dall Street, Waterbarn Street, Elmwood Street, Woodbine Road, Berry Street, Parkinson Street, Tarleton Street, Wren Street, Herbert Street and Pritchard Street (all Burnley), and Wallhurst Close, Worsthorne.

A report will go to the council’s executive on September 22nd.