The economy in Leeds continues to be very healthy, but there are places where decline still persists. This can be for a variety of reasons; including economic deprivation, social exclusion and anti-social behaviour. In these areas there tends to be a higher level of empty properties.
In any city there will always be some empty homes, which makes sure that the housing system functions effectively. This allows for residential mobility and the improvement, or redevelopment, of the housing stock. However, in certain areas of the city the turnover of vacant homes, and the number of long-term empty properties, appears to be alarmingly high. This can lead to an adverse effect upon the communities who live in these areas. The market value and desirability of the stock are affected: and the falling number of residents has a significant impact upon the local business sector. When the commercial and financial sectors feel it is no longer viable for them to continue trading or investing in an area this can mean the community declines faster.
The empty property strategy involves
- Intensive Neighbourhood Management
- Information – (analysis and dissemination)
- Local Ownership – to engage the local stakeholders and foster a sense of ownership within them to deal with the problems of empty properties and the issues that surround them.
- An agreed Action Plan within the areas of low demand – to encourage / facilitate the return back into economic use property which is not being utilised.
- Community safety.
- Environmental Management & Improvements.
- Educational links and raising awareness of the problems and dangers associated with empty property and an insanitary environment.
For information on the current situation regarding empty properties throughout the city, please click onto the downloadable files opposite
We welcome your comments. Please contact us using the Environmental Health email link on the right hand side of this page.