Empty properties to be turned into affordable homes

Empty properties to be turned into affordable homes






Empty properties to be turned into affordable homes

Wigan Council will get at least £300,000 from the government to transform derelict properties into affordable homes.



The money will be used to bring buildings currently standing empty back into use. The council says at least 25 privately-owned properties will be refurbished and turned into affordable housing. Wigan Borough will get £300,000, which will attract an additional £600,000 private sector investment. There is a possibility the grant will increase if the scheme is judged a success. It’s part of a £91 million investment project by the government’s Homes and Communities Agency.



Councillors say derelict homes that have led to problems such as damage to neighbouring properties, pest infestations and crime will be targeted first. Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan Council cabinet member for housing, said: “The funding will help us bring a new lease of life to properties that have stood empty for some time. Derelict buildings can often create problems in our communities so it’s great we’ll be able to deal with some of them and at the same time address our housing shortfall.”



Wigan Council has been working hard to reduce the problem of empty private homes. Other initiatives include a leasing scheme, enforcement action and the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders.



This latest scheme will create at least 25 new properties. It comes as the council works towards meeting its ambitious home-building programme. More than 170 new council homes have being built or are under construction with plans for a further 250 in the coming years.



Posted on Tuesday 25th June 2013