The Residential Property Tribunal Service (RPTS) has granted permission for an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) to be served on a property in Teynham. The decision which is the culmination of work by Swale Borough Council and No Use Empty means work can now be carried out on the property to bring it back into use.
No Use Empty is a partnership between Kent County Council and four East District Councils, Dover, Shepway, Swale and Thanet, which complements the existing work being carried out by the partner District Councils to combat the ongoing problem of empty housing.
When the Teynham property came to attention of Swale BC, it had stood empty for over a year, falling into disrepair. The owner owed a significant amount of money and was unable to sell up because the property was worth less than the debt. Neither was renting the property an option, due to its deteriorated condition.
No Use Empty worked in partnership with Swale BC and the owner to find a solution acceptable to all parties. It was agreed that placing an EDMO on the property would allow the necessary work to be carried out on the property which could then be let out on behalf of the owner and the money used to clear the debt.
Before the EDMO could be placed on the property, permission was necessary from the RPTS. Their decision this week to grant the EDMO means that builders will be starting work on the property imminently, improving its condition so it can be let.
Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Roger Gough, said: “Despite all their negative press, this case demonstrates how EDMOs can be used to achieve a positive outcome for both the owner and the local authority. It is a great example of how Swale Borough Council and Kent County Council are working in partnership under the No Use Empty campaign to achieve positive results and bring back empty properties into use.”
Councillor David Simmons, portfolio holder for housing and health at Swale Borough Council said: “The No Use Empty initiative is very supportive of our own strategy to combat empty housing and we’re delighted that this EDMO has been granted to allow the necessary renovations to be carried out and bring this property back into use.”
Empty property officers at the four District Councils are working hard to ensure similar help and advice is available to property owners across East Kent. If you would like to discuss this further please call the No Use Empty hotline 08458 247605, or visit the website – www.no-use-empty.org