Local council wants to buy this dilapidated home

A council in Leicestershire says it wants to buy a dilapidated home that's been empty for 24 years.

North West Leicestershire District Council is set to use its compulsory purchase order powers for the first time to acquire a property in Kegworth. 

This follows approval at a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 13th January for the council to make an offer to the owner to buy the property at 65 Station Road, Kegworth.

The council says it has tried to contact the owners 30 times in the past decade but has never received a response.

Should the owner fail to accept the council’s offer, the council will use its Compulsory Purchase Order powers – a legal tool enabling councils to take private land or property in exceptional circumstances – to acquire the property with the aim of bringing it back into use as a home.

In March 2022, Cabinet approved the council’s Empty Homes Policy which outlines how the council aims to bring empty homes back into use to help meet local housing demand, including using CPOs where necessary.

Councillor Michael Wyatt, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community and Climate Change at NWLDC, said: "Using our compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers is a legal last resort and not a decision the council takes lightly. In fact, this is the first time we have had to pursue this option. Unfortunately, this particular property has stood unoccupied for at least 24 years and has fallen into disrepair during this time. 

"Over the years we have made many unsuccessful attempts to contact the owner, who appears to have abandoned it since around 2001. As it is a mid-terrace house, its condition also affects neighbouring homes."

"I'm hopeful that the offer the council will make to the owner means that it won't be necessary to acquire it via a compulsory purchase order – but that will be the next step if not."

The council says it hopes to be able to bring 65 Station Road back to life to help with the housing back log.