Burnley Council to consider Compulsory Purchase Orders to bring long-term empty homes back into use

The report recommends using CPO powers, where necessary, to acquire and renovate empty homes that are linked to neighbourhood issues such as anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and arson, before disposing of the homes in line with the Council’s Disposal of Empty Dwellings Policy, including where appropriate disposal to Calico Homes.

If approved, the CPOs would relate to 87 Ardwick Street (vacant since 20 August 2018), 158 Grey Street (vacant since 5 April 2023) and 88 Mitella Street (vacant since 12 November 2004).

Councillor Jack Launer, Burnley Council Executive Member for Housing, Health and Culture, said:

“Long-term empty homes can have a real impact on local streets, attracting anti-social behaviour and leaving neighbours feeling unsafe. We will always try to work with owners first, but where homes have been left empty for years with no realistic plan to improve them, we will act so these buildings can be renovated, lived in again, and help strengthen the neighbourhood.”

“Bringing long-term empty homes back into use also helps the borough make better use of existing housing stock for local families, easing pressure to build on greenfield land and supporting a more resilient, sustainable approach to increasing the supply of homes.”

Since the inception of the programme in 2004, the number of empty properties reached its height in 2009 when there were 3232 empties. Since then, the number has fallen to less than half the numbers reported in 2009, 1758 (4.11%) at the last count.

The Executive report notes that compulsory purchase is a last resort, and where owners come forward officers will work with them to agree a route to bring the property back into use and avoid formal action wherever possible.