Council uses Compulsory Purchase to bring empty homes into use

10.30.00am GMT Tue 27th Oct 2009

Councillor Barbara Smith inspecting the empty property at Jackson Road.

Islington's Liberal Democrat council leaders have agreed the compulsory purchase of two derelict properties in order to bring them into use as affordable housing.

45 Falconer Walk, N7, is an ex-council flat that has been empty since 2004. 19 Jackson Road, a terraced house in Highbury converted into flats, has been empty since February 2005. The council will now force the owners to sell the properties, so that social landlords can repair and renovate them and bring them back into use as social housing.

Councillor Barbara Smith, executive councillor for housing, said:

"Abandoned houses are an eyesore, and a waste of housing that Islington needs. We'd rather work with the owners to bring them back into use, but when they are prepared to let their properties sit empty and go to wrack and ruin, we are prepared to step in."

If you know of any empty properties in Islington that could be brought back into use then please call the council's free hotline 0800 953 6305 or email empty.property@islington.gov.uk.

If you have an empty property, the council can help with grants and advice so that your property can produce an income for you and, at the same time, a much needed home for a family.