Tuesday 29 November 2011, author: admin

Dear Sir /Madam

Please find below a copy of our recent press release on empty homes which may be of interest to some of your members (e.g. members with flats over shops or dwellings attached to commercial premises).

Although the press release specifically refers to existing empty homes we are also encouraging the owners of business premises which are empty or partially empty which may be suitable for conversion into dwellings to contact the Council. We are able to provide advice and grant /loan opportunities to help with repairing or upgrading existing dwellings or the conversion works needed to form new dwellings. Our Housing Policies are targeted at dealing with the shortage of homes for local people and the Policies also include a letting management service called “Direct Lets Scheme” for landlords who may not wish to manage their own lettings.

In the current economic climate there may be some business’s who would wish to consider the possibilities for providing extra income by improving or reusing an existing dwelling (e.g. renewing facilities, providing separate access to flats over shops etc.) or the conversion of unused premises or parts of a premises to form a new dwelling. Reusing empty premises provides positive benefits for property owners and also provides benefits for the local community.

I hope you and your members will find this information useful and if you have any questions or queries please contact George Greenaway or Alison Adams on 01803 861373.

Yours faithfully