‘Eyesore’ house may be subject to compulsory purchase

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

But after failing to reach a voluntary agreement, councillors will decide today whether to use a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to secure the property.

The house has been empty for seven years and has become an eyesore which may be adversely affecting the value of neighbouring properties. A report to members of the council’s cabinet, who will discuss the matter today, said: “During this period it has been the subject of numerous complaints. There are concerns that the visual impact of the property has a detrimental effect on homes leading to devaluation and an inability to market properties effectively.

“The property has been the subject of anti-social behaviour issues including unauthorised entry and general vandalism, which is a major concern for people locally.”

The council said a CPO was pursued only as a “last resort”, but it was committed to bringing long-term empty properties back into use.

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 – at Seaton Road in Hessle, which has since been sold, and at Landsdowne Road, Bridlington, which will shortly go on the market.

If the CPO is approved, valuers for the council and the owner would seek to agree a price, but this could be set by the Government if a deal is not reached.

The council would then put the house out for sale through a tender, which would include an agreement that the buyer carries out improvements within a set time frame.