16 January 2021

You could have a RIGHT TO BUY Derelict or Unused Buildings and Land plots

 

 

I’m sure we have all commented at some time ‘’What are they going to do with that?’’ or ‘’Look at that eyesore…about time the council did something with it.’’

Today the government has announced a major step forward to provide the public with an opportunity to buy derelict, unused buildings and land plots currently owned by local authorities or other public sector organisations.

Do you know of any derelict buildings or land plots owned by a local authority or other public sector organisation?

Maybe there is a plot of land owned by a local authority at the bottom of your garden?

Well now you can do something about it. You could also buy it if you wanted. A group or charity organisation could claim the right to buy it.

HOW?

New Right to Regenerate will enable the public to require councils and public sector organisations to sell unused land and assets

Proposals for the public to have first right of refusal to purchase underused land in England

Land to be sold by default, unless compelling reason not to

Making it simpler, quicker and easier for public to transform vacant land and derelict buildings into homes, businesses or community spaces

This is a very bold step by the government and I’m sure many local authorities will find it challenging.

The public will be able to convert vacant plots of land and derelict buildings into new homes or community spaces, under plans announced today (16 January 2021) by the Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick MP.

The ‘Right to Regenerate’ proposals would make it easier to challenge councils and other public organisations to release land for redevelopment – helping communities make better use of public land and give a new lease of life to unloved buildings.

Underused public land could be sold to individuals or communities by default, unless there is a compelling reason the owner should hold onto it.

Under the proposals, public bodies would need to have clear plans for land in the near future, even if only a temporary use before later development – if the land is kept for too long without being used, they would be required to sell it.

These measures provide an opportunity for the public and local communities to redevelop and transform eyesores, taking control of unused local land or buildings and transforming them into something they want in their area.

This builds on the government’s drive to encourage development on brownfield land and more beautiful buildings that are in line with local preferences.

The strengthened rights would also apply to unused publicly owned social housing and garages providing opportunities to transform the local housing stock.

The latest figures show there were over 25,000 vacant council owned homes and according to recent FOI data over 100,000 empty council-owned garages last year.

The new process will be fast and simple, and the Secretary of State will act as an arbiter to ensure fairness and speedy outcomes in all cases.

Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:

Right to Regenerate is the simple way to turn public land into public good, with land sold by default, unless there is a very compelling reason not to do so.

We are cutting through red tape so that communities can make better use of available land and derelict buildings, which means more new homes, businesses and community assets.

Millions of people will now be able to buy that empty property, unused garage or parcel of land and turn it into something good for them and their community.

Tom Chance, Chief Executive of the National Community Land Trust Network, said:

We welcome these plans that could help communities to turn abandoned and neglected land and buildings into fantastic community assets.

There are hundreds of community land trusts across the country wanting to build much needed affordable housing, but getting hold of land at an affordable price is a huge barrier.

The potential for communities to be given first right of refusal could be a game changer. We encourage everyone to read through the proposals and respond to the consultation.

The ‘Right to Regenerate’ is a great-step forward to build on previous attempts at doing this and it will increase the chance for communities to come together to bring vacant land into the heart of the community.

In practice this could mean if a member of the public had an unused plot of land at the back of their house owned by the council, they could use the new Right to Regenerate.

If the land was determined to be underused with no plans to bring it into use, it would be sold and the person making the request could have first right of refusal to purchase – enabling them to extend their garden, or for the community to come together to use the land in a beneficial way.

See further information here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/right-to-regenerate-to-turn-derelict-buildings-into-homes-and-community-assets

Thanks for reading

The Good Estate Agent - North Nottinghamshire.

I help sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants.
If you think I might be able to help you please drop me a message.

geraldbowers@thegoodea.co.uk
01777 237310  Messages to 07981 744003 

 

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