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Empty Homes National Week of Action
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| Thursday 29th November 2007 |
Epping Forest District Council has joined in partnership with four other local authorities from Essex and Hertfordshire to launch a new scheme which aims to return empty homes to use. This launch coincides with the Empty Homes National Week of Action from 3 to 7 December 2007.
The National Week of Action organised by the Empty Homes Agency, is to highlight the issues of empty homes in the community. Epping Forest District Council believes this will raise awareness amongst property owners and assist them in returning such properties to use in a climate of high housing demand. The scheme entitled PLACE offers grant funding for the renovation and repair of long-term empty properties in return for a three-year lease to a partnering Housing Association.
Epping Forest District Council Housing Portfolio Holder, Councillor David Stallan said: “Empty homes are a wasted resource, particularly in areas where demand for housing is high as is the case in Epping Forest District. The Council wants to work with owners to turn their empty property into an asset whilst also providing valuable housing for local people. The scheme offers a means to make this happen by providing the capital works and management of their property which after three years is returned to them in good condition to continue to lease, let, occupy themselves or sell on as they wish. There will also be a positive impact on the local neighbourhood by improving the external appearance of the property and reducing the risk of nuisance and crime often associated with empty properties.’’
In October 2006 Epping Forest District Council adopted their Empty Property Strategy for the District. The scheme in partnership with Harlow Council, East Herts District Council, Uttlesford District Council and two Registered Social Landlords, Swan and Pathmeads, reflects the commitment adopted in the Strategy to bring empty homes back into use. |
| Posted by Kim for Epping Forest District Council |
Further reading:  http://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/news/2007/Empty_Homes.asp |
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