Council uses legal powers to buy derelict house targeted by vandals

A COUNCIL has used legal powers to buy a derelict property in Beverley after finally losing patience with its owners.

East Riding Council has spent four years trying to agree a deal to buy 11 Manor Road, a detached house in a “high-profile” area which has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

But after failing to reach agreement with its owners the authority has issued a compulsory purchase order.

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The property is now being marketed for repairs or redevelopment.

Symon Fraser, portfolio holder for environment, housing and planning, said: “This council is keen to work with empty home owners to bring empty dwellings back into use so that instead of causing a problem to a neighbourhood they can provide a home for someone.

“The majority of empty dwellings are brought back into use by informal negotiation with the owner. However, should that fail then compulsory purchase action is taken as a last resort to restore a home to use.

“This successful outcome is beneficial to the whole of the Manor Road area. It will improve the lives of those living near the property, improve the local street scene and demonstrate that East Riding of Yorkshire Council is dedicated to improving the quality of life of its residents.”

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There were a total of 3,714 empty homes in the East Riding as of April 1 last year, and of these, 1,540 had been empty for more than six months. The council has used CPOs on only two other properties – in Seaton Road in Hessle, which has since been sold, and at Landsdowne Road in Bridlington.

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