Empty properties

Empty properties issues may include:

Empty properties which are causing a problem or concern, due to poor condition, overgrown gardens etc.
People needing help or advice about repairing empty properties to bring them back into use, and any grants available
People wanting advice about tracing owners of empty properties (e.g. they would be interested in purchasing a particular empty property)
Organisations wanting statistical information on empty properties, and action taken to bring them back into use.

Contact

Housing Renewal Team
Environmental Health
Merlin House
Merlin Way
Ilkeston
Derbyshire
DE7 4RA

Tel: 0115 931 6060
email:ehgrants@erewash.gov.uk

You may also find useful, the information in the Private Sector Empty Property Strategy, and Action Plan Progress report.

Private Sector Empty Property Strategy 2007 – 2010

There are a number of privately owned empty properties in the borough, some of which are not maintained in good condition and receiving ongoing repair.

An empty property can impact on the quality of the local environment, creating a poor image of an area. It may lead to increased fear of crime, attract anti-social behaviour and make a place less attractive for local people to live in.

Whilst we recognise that there are relatively low numbers of empty homes in Erewash that are in a poor condition, it needs to be recognised that each empty property is a wasted resource, particularly where there are limited opportunities for meeting housing needs in the area.

It is accepted that turnover in the housing market will lead to some properties remaining vacant for a period of time, however it is those properties which remain vacant for a longer term, for example six months or more, that give rise to concern.

This strategy has been developed with the aim of ensuring that every effort is made to return these valuable homes back into use, and that neighbourhoods are not unnecessarily adversely affected by empty properties.