The compulsory purchase of a property is always a measure of last resort, but where the owner fails to engage with the Council in a constructive matter and previous action has failed to resolve the issue, then compulsory purchase will be considered.
This semi-detached property had been in a very poor condition for 20 years and had been the subject of repeated complaints from neighbours. Despite numerous assurances from the owner that works would be completed, the property remained in poor condition.
The Council had started compulsory purchase proceeding, but continued to negotiate with the owner. Following full Council approval to instigate compulsory purchase proceedings, the owner decided to sell the property to a local developer, who renovated the property within three months and it now provides a home for a local family.