Council urges use of empty military homes for affordable housing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

West Oxfordshire District Council is asking the Government to consider using vacant Ministry of Defence properties for affordable housing.

West Oxfordshire District Council is urging the Government to use vacant Ministry of Defence homes for affordable housing. The empty properties are located in Long Hanborough on Marlborough Crescent and Becketts Close. Council leader Andy Graham has written to the Minister for Veterans and People requesting a clear plan for the unoccupied homes and proposing they be considered for social or temporary housing if the MOD decides to sell them.

Counsellor Graham said the council needs to 'explore every opportunity to increase the supply of affordable homes, including making better use of properties that already exist'. He noted that 'seeing these homes standing empty is frustrating when there are families on our housing waiting list and people in need of temporary accommodation'.

The council wants to work with the Ministry of Defence and housing partners to understand whether these properties could help meet local housing needs. The last residents reportedly left the properties in November 2024, and they have remained empty since.

Council urges use of empty military homes for affordable housing — Image: Oxford Mail

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How it is being reported

Council seeks answers over empty Oxfordshire military homesAn Oxfordshire council is suggesting empty Ministry of Defence homes could be used for affordable housing to help meet rising demand.Oxford Mail · 21 Oct, 16:00
Council seeks answers over empty Oxfordshire military homesAn Oxfordshire council is suggesting empty Ministry of Defence homes could be used for affordable housing to help meet rising demand.Oxfordshire Guardian · 21 Oct, 16:00

In this story: West Oxfordshire District Council · Ministry of Defence · Andy Graham · Long Hanborough

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