Housing chiefs in move to reclaim Wolverhampton bungalow that has stood empty for three years
Housing bosses in Wolverhampton are taking steps to reclaim a bungalow that has stood empty for three and-a-half years. The detached property in Tettenhall Wightwick will be acquired by way of negotiation or a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).
Once regained, the privately owned property in Beechwood Drive will be put back on the housing market and brought back into residential use. The decision is in support of the council’s Empty Properties Strategy, which aims to bring long-term empty homes back into use.
A report to the council’s cabinet resources panel, which is due to approve the acquisition next Wednesday (December 13), said: “The property is unregistered and it has not been possible to establish ownership of both the bungalow and the land. The previous occupier moved out of the property and is currently resident in Staffordshire. It has been empty since July 1, 2020.
“There has been contact with the previous occupier who has been repeatedly advised to seek legal advice with regard to the ownership, probate and registration issues. While initial conversations were positive, they have not instructed a legal practitioner to act in the matter.
“Neighbours have made efforts to reduce any detrimental effect on the bungalow in the meantime by regular maintenance of the front garden. However, the property continues to deteriorate and there are ongoing concerns regarding security and dilapidation.
“Notice under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requiring the owner to remedy the detrimental effect of the property has been served. However, the owner or beneficiaries has not responded or made any appeal, and the notice has not been complied with,” added the report.
“The reoccupation of empty properties brings in additional income to the council via the New Homes Bonus paid to local authorities as a result of increased housing supply.
“The principle of establishing a revolving fund to drive forward the Private Sector Empty Property Strategy was approved by cabinet on January 11, 2006. The revolving fund provides for properties that are consistent with the strategy to be acquired, marketed for sale and brought back into residential occupation.
“The arrangements proposed for the property identified are consistent with that strategy. Should the CPO be confirmed in favour of the council, it would seek to dispose of the property by tender, auction or private treaty. The property would be sold with the condition that it is brought back to a required standard of repair within a specified time limit. This will also apply to any negotiated acquisitions.
“In the event of an acquisition, the costs can be met from the approved capital budget for 2023-24 of £241,000 for the Empty Property Strategy. The subsequent sale of the property would result in a capital receipt ring-fenced to finance future purchases through the strategy. Any non-capital costs incurred between purchase and sale, for example security measures, must be met from current private sector housing budgets,” it said.
