Interim Empty Dwelling Management Order granted

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has been granted an Interim Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) on a long term empty property in Stratford-upon-Avon.

This is the second time this year that the District Council has taken enforcement action on a problematic, empty property in the town.

The property, which has been empty for almost a decade, has become an eyesore and of growing concern to neighbours living in the quiet cul-de-sac just outside Stratford town centre.

Its scruffy, boarded-up appearance and overgrown gardens have upset residents over the years, causing them to complain bitterly to the District Council and asking them to step in and take action.

The owner has refused to engage with the District Council's Empty Property Officer to consider the many options available to him to help bring the property back into use, so the District Council had to take enforcement action.  

An application was made to the First-Tier Tribunal for an Interim Empty Dwelling Management Order and a positive decision was made this week in favour of the District Council.

The Interim Order means that the owner will now have a limited period of time to decide what he wants to do with the property.

However, if, at the end of 12 months, the property is still unoccupied the District Council will make a Final Order on it and take over the management for a period of up to seven years.

Cllr Jacqui Harris, Health, Wellbeing and Housing Portfolio says: "The District Council is committed to providing many types of accommodation in Stratford District in a range of ways. Empty homes are a wasted resource, particularly in areas like ours where demand for housing is high. Nobody wants to have empty housing next to them, especially when the owner is not taking responsibility for maintenance.  

"In Stratford District we want to be proactive and ensure that neglected, long term empty properties are brought back to the housing market for the benefit of the local community. This is an excellent result on an extremely time-consuming and complex case."

The District Council intends to continue its work to bring empty homes back into use through EDMOs, but prefers to work positively with landlords and owners and encourages empty home owners to contact the District Council to discuss the grants and assistance available.

If you wish to report an empty property or for more information, please contact the District Council on 01789 260848 or email psht@stratford-dc.gov.uk.