Empty Homes Policy Consultation
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is seeking views from anybody who lives and works in the borough about how they should deal with empty homes in the borough.
The council has recently developed an empty homes policy to address the issue of long-term vacant dwellings in the borough. Although the number of empty homes in the area has been relatively low, the pandemic has led to an increase in neglectful conditions and made it more difficult to engage with some owners.
The council recognises that empty homes are a wasted resource, particularly when considered against the need for housing, and that they can have an adverse impact on the local community when neglected. In order for the council to take necessary enforcement measures, they are required to publish an empty homes policy and seek the views of the public.
The draft policy outlines the council’s approach to empty homes in the borough and sets out measures to address those that are having a detrimental impact on the community. The policy primarily focuses on privately owned empty homes that have been vacant for two years or more and aims to tackle owners who fail to maintain their empty homes, reduce the number of empty properties across the borough and increase the supply of available housing to help meet housing need.
Cllr Lynn Chesterman, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member, Housing, said “There are many benefits of bringing disused properties back into use, including improving neighbourhoods, reducing crime, anti-social behaviour and contributing to meeting local housing needs. This consultation gives our communities the opportunity to have their say and we encourage as many people as possible to respond.”
The draft Empty Homes Policy can be found on the council website which is important to read before completing the survey.
Read the policy and complete the survey.
The survey closes on 27 November 2023.