Dover District Council is working hard to create new homes across the district by recycling long term empty properties, which cause a blight on local neighbourhoods.
The Council has a dedicated empty property officer, John Day, who works in partnership with the Kent County Council led No Use Empty campaign, which has been instrumental in helping bring empty properties back into use across the East Kent region since its launch two years ago.
Recently the campaign has scored a number of successes, where the District and County Councils have worked in tandem to restore long-term derelict properties back to use:
A house in Hardwicke Road, Dover, which has been derelict for ten years and has been attracting vandalism and having a negative effect on the surrounding properties, has been returned to use. The Council received numerous complaints about the property from neighbours and Councillors regarding the poor condition of the property, which prompted them to take action. John was able to work closely with the No Use Empty campaign to advise and encourage the owner to approach a local estate agent. In addition, Councillor’s had agreed to the compulsory purchase of the property by the Council. This resulted in a private sale of the property within weeks of the agreement to make the compulsory purchase order. The property has now been fully refurbished by the new owner and is occupied.
A property in Snargate Street had been long time empty and was a real eyesore along the main coastal road. The No Use Empty campaign was able to provide the owner with a loan necessary to make the extensive renovation required to bring it back into use. This financial assistance was the first of its kind given to a private Dover developer, and refurbishment of the property has started to convert into two flats.
Prince of Wales House is a large property in a historical and conservation area, which has been empty for 5 years. Through the No Use Empty campaign, a loan has been granted to the owner of the property to assist in refurbishment costs. The building is to be renovated into 20 apartments, with an additional 15 new apartments being built. They are expected to be ready early next year.
Cllr MRS. Sue Nicholas, Dover District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community commented:
“This is a fantastic example of how Dover District Council, working in partnership with Kent County Council under the No Use Empty Initiative, is making a real difference. It is a credit to the hard work of all parties involved that after so many years, these properties will be given a new lease of life and become a home once again.”
Susan Pledger, project manager of the No Use Empty campaign said:
“It is essential that the number of empty properties must be reduced as they act as an obstacle to the wider regeneration of an area. Our campaign has been working to raise awareness of the problem and offer advice to property owners on the best solution and this example demonstrates our ongoing success and proves the No Use Empty initiative is making a real difference in Kent.”
John Day, empty property officer at Dover District Council, said:
“The support I receive from the No Use Empty initiative has been instrumental in bringing these, and other properties back into use. While it is a time-consuming and, at times, painstaking process, the benefits of recycling empty properties to communities and home owners is paramount, creating a win-win situation.”
Free help and advice is available to property owners who are advised to visit the website – www.no-use-empty.org– or call the No Use Empty hotline 08458 247605. Alternatively contact John Day at Dover District Council 01304 872454