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New housing strategy gets the green light
PLANS to drive down the number of long term empty properties have been given the green light.
In a far-reaching strategy over the next four years, direct action will aim to bring properties back into use and break the links with the social problems in communities that vacant homes of this type create.
Members of Eastbourne Borough Council's major decision making committee, the Cabinet, approved the plans on Wednesday night.
Since the appointment of an empty property officer and introduction of the council cross service Difficult Properties Group in 2008/2009, 118 empty properties in Eastbourne were returned to use and that figure rose to 134 in 2009/2010.
Cabinet portfolio holder for community, Councillor Margaret Bannister, said, "It is well-known that issues like fly tipping, anti social behaviour, petty crime and many other unwelcome problems soon follow when some homes become empty. While there is no room for complacency, the strategy officers are following is getting the results needed and also reducing the number of properties that become empty in the first place."
A number of properties across Eastbourne which were previously vacant and nearly derelict have been completely transformed.Among them is the home of Claire Mason and her children who moved into their new home after Eastbourne Borough Council and working partners carried out extensive improvement work on the property in Hampden Park.
Claire said, "We love our home and couldn't be happier here. I was aware the property had been empty for sometime and was obviously delighted when the council managed to return it to its former glory!"
Councillor Bannister said, "It is wonderful to see Claire and her family so happy in a super family home.
This property is a great example of how a more co-ordinated approach between key stakeholders can deliver really positive results. The empty property officer and partners overcame a number of major challenges in their work returning this house to a habitable condition."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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