Stafford councillor calls for more powers after hefty fine for eyesore building owners
Owners of derelict job centre ordered to pay over £56,000
The leader of Stafford Borough Council, Councillor Aidan Godfrey, has called for more powers for local authorities to swiftly tackle derelict buildings, following a prosecution that resulted in a substantial fine.
The owners of Greyfriars House, formerly a job centre in Stafford, were fined over £56,000 for failing to comply with an enforcement notice to improve the property's condition, which has been deemed an eyesore.
Stafford Borough Council had issued a notice to Eaglemount Limited, requiring repairs and securing of broken panels and gates, boarding of windows and doors, and removal of shattered glass.
Despite the court ruling guilty for breach of this notice at Newcastle Under Lyme Magistrates Court on 28th September, Councillor Godfrey expressed dissatisfaction with the lengthy legal process and its limited impact.
Godfrey stated, “The legal process has been lengthy, and the outcome does not scratch the surface of addressing the problem - which is the state they have let the property get into.”
He stressed the need for government intervention to equip councils with the necessary powers to prevent properties from becoming derelict and impacting community wellbeing.
Godfrey suggested a need for a stronger package of powers including enhanced charges on unused properties, expedited compulsory purchase processes, and higher penalties for non-compliance.
Councillor Godfrey highlighted the collective frustration of residents and businesses over properties neglected by their owners, leading to vandalism and blight within the community.
Councils seek more robust measures to support property management and regeneration efforts, ensuring such issues are swiftly addressed in the public interest.