Empty home is debated

“Yet another very weak effort from the Citizen. Time and time again there are one liner stories which, with a bit of effort, could be developed into something interesting that many would like to read about. This is certainly not journalism as it should be and if local media is struggling, this existing policy is sure to keep the paper circulation and internet hits on a downward spiral.”

“Good to read that something is finally to be done about this particular long-term empty property.

But why has it taken 10 years before something is finally done? About time the Government really got serious about this issue (rather than the warm-ish air they've been blowing of late), and changed the legislation so that Local Authorities (and even Housing Associations) can apply for a CPO on empty properties more easily / sooner.

Empty for more than 2 years should trigger it, and then with a 6-month period for the owner (assuming their identity is known) to do something about it, or lose it. Where no registered owner can be traced, let a court rule that the CPO can be issued, rather than letting the property sit empty for many more years waiting for somebody to lay claim to it.

Stop granting PP for thousands of new homes when there are equally as many existing empty homes, the majority of which require only cosmetic updating to make them perfectly habitable again, at significantly less cost than building a new home somewhere else. Yes, some empty properties are beyond saving, so get CPO's granted on them so that they can be demolished & re-built.”

“what about the house in seymour rd ./That needs pulling down”

“There's not much information here. Is the owner of the house known? Are rates still being paid ? Is the house a health hazard.
I'd have thought the impending seizure of a valuable asset rated more than two sentences.”