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News

New Homes From Empty Properties

Poole families are set to benefit from a new scheme which identifies empty properties within the Borough and turns them into new homes. Owners are given incentives to help them transform their unused property into valuable accommodation which can then be allocated to those waiting on the Housing Register.

The first home to be converted under this scheme, a 4 bedroom house in Parkstone, will shortly become home to a family with 4 children who are currently in bed and breakfast accommodation. A 2 bedroom bungalow is also due to be allocated to a family under this scheme in the next few weeks.

Councillor Jane James, Executive spokesperson for Care, said: "There are so many benefits to this scheme and I am pleased to see it up and running in Poole. We strive to meet the needs of people on our housing register and I hope that this will help us reduce the number of families in bed & breakfast accommodation giving them a better quality of life."

Simon Hendy, Head of General Housing, Borough of Poole, said: "It is hoped that we can bring empty properties across Poole back into use by helping owners decorate, renovate or convert them. Valuable accommodation can then be allocated to families on our waiting list which is great news for them and us. Working in partnership with Housing Associations and private landlords we can look forward to increasing the high standard of accommodation on offer to people in Poole."

Wasted Homes 2001 expands on the existing empty property strategy which was launched in 1995. With the provision of several grants it hopes to raise the standard of private sector properties. The property can be a house, flat or office and must be self-contained, although conversion work to achieve this could be covered by a grant. The provision of adequate heating, insulation and a standard level of decor can also be provided by a grant. The property must have been empty for at least 6 months and owners must agree to a minimum of five years participation in the scheme.

Editor’s notes:

maximum grant of £10,000 per unit of accommodation for eligible works (up to a maximum of 3 units per landlord application in 1 year)

accommodation must be provided at or near rent levels as determined by the independent Rent Officer Service

Housing Association Scheme is available to support owners giving guaranteed rent every month, management of property etc.

-ends-

Sally Jacklin, Housing Standards Officer, Borough of Poole, tel: (01202) 633428