Figures obtained by Peasedown St John Councillor, Karen Walker (Independent), show there to be almost 150 empty properties currently in the B&NES Council area.

The properties, which have been uninhabited for more than two years, are located all over the district. Cllr Walker said: “If the Council can bring some of these empty properties back into use that would be a benefit in tackling the housing needs we have. Let’s first use some of these properties that already exist for new homes before we even think of building any more.”

Cllr Karen Walker, who questioned the Cabinet on the issue last month at Bath’s Guildhall, wants the council to more to do more to bring some of the boarded up properties in B&NES back into use. She added: “As the number of people on the council’s social housing waiting list sours past the 4,000 mark, despite action from the housing department in the past, more stills needs to be done. These 150 empty properties would make ideal homes for young families, and single parents with children.”

Responding this week, Councillor Liz Richardson (Cons.), the Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, said: “Compared to many other Councils, B&NES has a good track record when it comes to dealing with the issue of long-term empty properties. However, there’s always more which can be done and so over the past year, we have stepped-up our efforts in tackling this issue. This includes employing a dedicated officer responsible for dealing with empty properties and providing specialist support to help the owners bring their properties back into use.

“As a result of the action we’ve taken, a total of thirty-nine properties have been brought back into use over the past year, including two through the use of compulsory purchase order.

“We would obviously love to be able to bring every empty property back into use, but the reality is that there are often many complex issues which make it a lengthy and difficult process, and it’s worth remembering that the 145 long-term empty properties we are currently aware exist in B&NES represent less than 0.2% of our area’s total housing stock. If any resident is aware of a property which has remained empty for a long period of time, we would encourage them to get in touch.”