Approval nears for vacant homes project

Proposals designed to bring hundreds of empty homes across Trafford back into use look set to move ahead.Tackling the issue of long-term vacant properties – those that have been empty for six months or more – is considered a “priority in light of the severe supply and demand issues faced in the borough”.Concerns also include the high cost of renting and buying a property, the lack of affordable housing, and “problems of blight and anti-social behaviour”.During the lifetime of Trafford Council’s previous Empty Homes Strategy from 2011 to 2015, the number of vacant dwellings reduced from 1,110 to 637.However, the number has started to increase, reaching 774 in 2018. This represents less than 1 per cent of the total stock and compares favourably to other parts of Greater Manchester.It is still considered a problem that needs tackling, with a Trafford Empty Homes Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2024 having been drawn up in a bid to do so.This proposes a host of suggestions in a bid to bring the vacant properties back to life.A four-strong list of priorities has been drawn up, including:Working with owners of long term empty properties to bring them back into useImproving our neighbourhoods by addressing the homes that have become the focus of anti-social behaviour and neglectProviding advice and information to help raise awareness around the issueDeveloping effective partnerships with key stakeholders to address the problemsThe council held a four-week public consultation during September 2019 to garner views on the proposals.Trafford Council’s Executive – which will meet on 25 November – has been asked to approve the Trafford Empty Homes Strategy and Draft Action Plan 2019-2024.