Stratford District Council bring empty homes back to life

The creation of three low cost homes within a large derelict property are well under way on the Birmingham Road, Stratford-upon-Avon which is being brought back into occupation in May this year thanks to a grant from Stratford-on-Avon District Council towards the works which are being undertaken by the owner, Mr Richard Webber using local businesses, Frank Price Architectural and Warwickshire Essential Developments Ltd.

£60,000 was awarded by the District Council from its Empty Homes Assistance Grant scheme, which represents less than 40% of the project's total cost. The scheme is designed to assist owners of disused houses in areas of the District, where low-cost rented housing is needed most, to bring them back to a habitable standard and provide much needed housing for local people in greatest need.

The Birmingham Road end of terrace property had been derelict for some time and is in a prominent position opposite the new Premier Inn hotel next to the canal. The District Council's cash injection is making it possible to prevent this building becoming permanently derelict and a major eyesore in a sensitive location. At the same time it is also responding to local demands for low cost rental housing targeted to benefit Stratford's local people. 

The District Council places a number of conditions on awards under this scheme, including that for at least three years

• Tenants must be nominated by the District Council. The District Council's Home Choice Plus housing scheme will be used to match people in housing need to the homes when they are complete.
• Tenants must have a local connection with Stratford, which could be through birth, work, or residence of themselves or a close family member over a period of time.
• Tenants will pay rent at the amount a Housing Association would charge.  

Cllr Valerie Hobbs, Enterprise, Housing & Revenues Portfolio says: “Providing more affordable homes for people in Stratford District is one of our key targets and bringing empty houses back into use has a major part to play in helping the District Council to achieve this.

Empty homes and properties are an eye-sore and can have a negative impact on the quality of the District's towns and villages.  Our aim is to help owners bring these properties back into use through a range of support including helping them find tenants.  Bringing empty homes back into use makes sound financial sense not just for the owner but the local community."

Owners of empty properties who would like further information and guidance regarding bringing their properties back into residential use or would like further details of the Empty Homes Assistance Grant should contact Val Harris, Project Officer (Empty Homes) at Stratford District Council on 01789 260645 or email val.harris@stratford-dc.gov.uk.