Extensive works to renovate a long-term empty property in Blandford are nearing completion, to provide much needed accommodation and the chance for residents to make plans for the rest of their lives.
West View is a property situated in Blandford Forum and was identified by empty homes officers working for Housing Standards at Dorset Council, who track down long term empty properties and work with property owners to turn them into good quality homes. In this case they negotiated the purchase of the property and secured funding to renovate it in 2021.
Builders started work in September 2022 to fully renovate the property, creating six much needed single bedroom units of accommodation. Being in a conservation area, the house has been sympathetically modernised. Amongst other work, brand new, timber sash windows have been fitted and enhancements made to the buildings original character which are in keeping with the other well-kept properties in the area.
The final stages of this project coincide with Empty Homes Week 2023, which runs from 27 February to 5 March. This national event provides an opportunity for Dorset Council to demonstrate the action being taken to bring wasted empty homes back into use and to take action on empty homes which blight our neighbourhoods by tracking down and working with property owners to turn empty properties into good quality homes. The successful completion of West View is a great example of Dorset Council’s Empty Homes Policy in action.
West View will become stable accommodation for people within the Dorset Council area. A council housing representative said “the accommodation will be available to local people to help them make plans and support their decisions to move on to permanent accommodation.
Main building contractor, Stepnell have had to contend with a small, compact site. Despite this, the renovation process has been overwhelmingly positive. Disruption has been kept to a minimum, which has maintained excellent relations with neighbours, who are happy to see the building improved and occupied.
Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety said: “I am delighted that the project to renovate and use West View to provide homes is nearing completion. The project team have taken an abandoned, dilapidated, eye sore and turned it into an invaluable home and asset for Blandford. We can all be proud of what we have created here.
“My thanks also go to the neighbours and residents of Blandford for their patience while this much needed work was carried out. We will all now reap the benefits for years to come.
“By purchasing such long-term empty properties like West View, the council will be giving people a breathing space in much needed accommodation, with the support to move on to more permanent homes, as well as using money in a more sustainable way than high-cost bed and breakfast accommodation.”
Dorset Council pledges to work with registered housing providers, community land trusts and housing partners to deliver suitable and decent housing. There is also a commitment to provide the right housing options including temporary accommodation, care homes, extra care, supported living and affordable homes to buy and rent.
If you are aware of a long term empty property which the council could use for much needed accommodation contact the team via Empty homes – Dorset Council.
