Dorset Council takes over empty and abandoned Bridport home
They've completed their first ever Compulsory Purchase Order
A long-term empty and abandoned home in Bridport has been taken over by Dorset Council, through a Compulsory Purchase Order.
It's taken five years of work and negotiations with the owner, with the aim of getting the property back into use.
The authority say a CPO is a 'last resort' but necessary to prevent a wasted housing resources and prevent rubbish, pests and crimes affecting the local community.
Cllr Gill Taylor, Cabinet Portfolio member for Housing at Dorset Council, said:
“Our work on empty homes ‘just makes sense’. Getting empty homes back into use won’t solve our housing crisis, but while we are in desperate need of homes, we can’t just stand by and leave these houses to rot. CPO is a last resort for us; however, this action in Bridport demonstrates that Dorset Council will not shy away from legal action, when it’s the right course of action.”
Dorset Council say they'll now work with stakeholders in Bridport to work out the best options for the reuse of the property.
They also say they have an active caseload of empty home investigations and enforcement with more legal action and CPO’s in the pipeline.